2026 Run for Hope: Remembering Lives Lost to Addiction

2026 Run for Hope: Remembering Lives Lost to Addiction

At Hope is Alive’s Run for Hope, families and friends come together each year to honor and remember loved ones lost to addiction. In 2026, new names will join those already carried in the hearts of the Run for Hope community, each representing a person who was deeply known and deeply loved, and who is deeply missed.

To help tell their stories, we asked family members and friends to share what they want others to know about the people they lost. Their words offer glimpses of who these individuals were beyond addiction: sons and daughters, parents and siblings, spouses and friends; people with humor, talents, dreams, quirks and an ability to leave lasting impressions on those around them.

The stories that follow introduce those being honored for the first time at Run for Hope in 2026. They are not the only lives remembered through this event, but they are the newest stories being added to a growing legacy.

Tulsa

Toya Lollis

Toya was such a beautiful person, always the light in the room and spreading love wherever she went.

Gabriel Santiago Lopez

Gabe was so loved by many! He had multiple years clean and was involved in a 12-step program. He was vibrant, passionate, and full of life. He was very proud of his Puerto Rican heritage and had a dream of starting his own business. He is missed dearly.

Cory Conrady

Cory was such a funny guy. I am his only sibling, and we would constantly argue about who was funnier. He loved people. He was a very active member of the AA community. He had reached about seven years of sobriety. 

Since his passing, I have heard so many amazing stories about how he helped people struggling with addiction alongside him. He would always visit sober living homes and take them pizza or leftovers from a family gathering we had. Sometimes he would even bring a member over to a holiday event if they didn't have anywhere to go, and we welcomed them with open arms.

He was just an amazing human, and we miss him dearly. He fought like hell to get sober and achieved it. Even though addiction eventually got him in the end, we are so proud of him for the fight he put up and hope that it encourages others.

Jordan Birmingham

Jordan always brought laughter to the room. He wanted everyone to feel loved!

Chase S. Leapline

He was an animal lover, a giver, a musician, an actor, a very hard worker — he could have been a great asset to this earth, but he never had a chance.

Joshua Duckworth

Joshua lived life to its fullest. He was always well-dressed and had a heart of gold! He was a beautiful soul!

Cordell Barnes

He loved pulling jokes on his family and friends. One time I was getting ready to go somewhere, and he put a rubber band around the sprayer of the kitchen sink so that every time I turned the water on, I would get sprayed. He did that to me three times on the same day, and I kept falling for it. Every time, I had to redo my makeup and my hair. We both just laughed and laughed. 

He loved to get together with his sister and tease her and get with his brother and cousins to do so many crazy things. He was smart, loving, thoughtful, mannerly, hard-working, talented — he was so many wonderful things. He is greatly missed.

Jacob Harrison

A story about my Jacob… We were headed on a trip and stopped for gas, restroom, and snacks. I sent him in for snacks while I pumped gas. I was waiting in the car, and he walked out shirtless and shoeless. I was like, “What is going on?” as a guy walked past the car, hugged him, and said thanks while wearing my son’s shirt and shoes. He got in the car, and I asked him who that was. “Oh, that’s x. I met him in the bathroom line. He has a big interview today and was a mess. I got him some deodorant and a comb, gave him my shirt and shoes, and helped him get ready.” How do you get mad at a helping heart?

Bradley Cross

Bradley had the biggest heart and was a talented carpenter, mechanic, welder, and plumber. Bradley loved to fish, play soccer, OU, the Thunder, and music. He loved his family more than anyone knows. Bradley was a country boy at heart and would drive dirt backroads at night to watch fireflies, look at the stars, and find the ideal spot to stop and two-step in front of the headlights on his truck.

Weatherford

Mark Breeding

Mark was a bigger-than-life personality. Karson is his only child. She has autism (Asperger's) and had a special bond with her father. She calls him her “hero.” Even though Mark’s addiction was a struggle for Karson’s entire life, their unique relationship always included funny moments! She is honoring her dad by running in his memory! She wants everyone to know that he was so special and his memory is love.

Charla Cummings

My sister, Charla, was so full of life and lived every minute, letting everyone know that she did just that. She loved everyone and didn’t know a stranger. You wouldn’t have known her as a stranger even if you tried. She wore her heart so everyone could see it. My sister fell into addiction at the age of 16 and lost her life to an overdose at the age of 24, leaving behind three beautiful children, the youngest being four months old.

Twila Cummings Purdy

My mom, Twila, struggled with addiction for as long as I can remember. She tried many times to be the mom she was supposed to be, full of life and a wonderful grandma when she was able. She lost her life to an overdose at the age of 44, a month shy of turning 45. She passed three weeks after my sister for the same reason.

Colorado Springs

Patrick Baumgardner

Patrick loved his family and his dog and was a friend to everyone. He is remembered by us all every day.

OKC

Donald G. Sterns Jr.

Donny had a spirit that drew people to him. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor, compassion, and ability to make others smile and laugh. Whether he was with family, friends, or someone he had just met, Donny had a way of making people feel seen and valued. He graduated from Putnam City North High School, where he participated in football all four years. He was a part of The Who’s Who among high school scholars. He also graduated from the Francis Tuttle nursing program and attended Langston University for two years, striving to build a meaningful future, before passing from fentanyl poisoning.

Ritchie Puckett

Ritchie had a way of making people laugh and making everyone around him feel like they belonged. To those who loved him, he was a son, a friend, and someone who mattered deeply.

Ritchie was my one and only lifelong childhood best friend. We grew up together and shared so many of the memories that shaped who I am today. No matter how much time passed, we always picked right back up where we left off. The memories of our friendship will always remain as some of the most important in my life.

I am participating in Run for Hope in his honor because I want people to remember the person behind the struggle. I run for the memories we shared, for the life he lived, and for the hope that others battling addiction can find recovery and a future.

Krystal Heap-of-Birds

Beloved daughter and sister, devoted mother of nine, and a loyal cousin to many. She had a heart that was always open and a presence that could always be counted on. Whether offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or words of encouragement, she was always there for the people she loved. She brought joy wherever she went with her infectious laughter, warm spirit, and ability to make others feel at home. Her greatest pride and deepest love were her babies, whom she cherished with all her heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, devotion, and countless treasured memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Donna Squire

A devoted and loving mother, she poured her heart into caring for her family and creating lasting memories with those she loved. She had a deep appreciation for music and movies, finding joy in sharing her favorite songs, watching films with loved ones, and creating moments of laughter and connection. As the youngest of nine siblings, she held a special place in her family and was deeply cherished by her brothers and sisters. Family was at the center of her life, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved. To me, she was more than an aunt; she was my favorite auntie, a source of love, comfort, laughter, and unwavering support. Her kind heart, vibrant spirit, and devotion to her family will be remembered and cherished forever.

Robin Guoladdle-Navarro

She was truly full of life, bringing energy, laughter, and light into every room she entered. Her vibrant spirit and warm heart made it easy for others to feel loved, welcomed, and valued. Family was everything to her, and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved. As the favorite Auntie to many nieces and nephews, she created countless memories filled with laughter, guidance, and unconditional love. She had a special way of making each person feel important and cared for, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was deeply loved by her sisters and her mother, who treasured the bond they shared and the joy she brought into their lives. Though her presence is greatly missed, her love, laughter, and beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family forever.

Levi Pothorst

Levi was the kind of person who made the world brighter simply by being in it. He never met a stranger, only friends he hadn’t gotten to know yet. Whether you knew him for years or only for a moment, he had a way of making you feel seen, welcomed, and valued. His smile was contagious, and his embrace was genuine. When Levi smiled at you, you felt the warmth of someone who cared deeply about people. He carried a light that drew others in, and he shared that light freely with everyone around him.

Alcoholism may have taken Levi’s life, but it does not define his life. What defines Levi is the love he gave, the laughter he shared, the friendships he built, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy lives on in every story told about him, every smile inspired by a memory of him, and every act of kindness that reflects the goodness he showed so effortlessly. The world feels a little dimmer without him here, but we are all better for having known him. We will remember his generous heart, his welcoming spirit, and the joy he brought wherever he went.

Brandy & John Sweeney

My beautiful mom and wonderful step-dad passed away together. My mom dedicated her life to taking care of our family, and my step-dad was a 23-year Army veteran. They left a beautiful memory in this world.

Romauldo Ortiz-Castaneda

My father never had the chance to beat his addiction, but he did know God and Jesus. He died of an overdose. I was so heavy in my addiction at the time of his passing that I couldn’t even attend his funeral. I am breaking this generational curse by stopping addiction with me. With the help of the women’s Hope is Alive program, I am now 17 months sober, and I know my dad would be so proud of me. Addiction took my father, but it doesn’t get to take me!!

Ryan Sparks

Ryan was an inscribe man who loved his family so very much. He had beautiful twin daughters who miss him dearly. Ryan was a hard-working business owner who would do anything for anyone. Unfortunately, Ryan lost his life to addiction in 2023. He is missed dearly and will never be forgotten.

Paul Bertolasio

Navy Veteran Paul was a kind man who struggled with childhood trauma, depression, and alcohol for many years. He always had a couple of bad jokes to share along with a smile. He was a good friend to many and a loving brother.

Samuel Richardson

Sam was extremely smart, quick-witted, and handsome. He had the most beautiful soul and smile that could light up any room.

Virtual

Andrew Wusterbarth

As a late teen and young adult, Andrew often presented a “tough guy” exterior. He guarded his real personality carefully, allowing only a select few to truly know him. But if you were fortunate enough to be let in, you discovered who Andrew really was — a beautiful soul with a tender heart and a deep capacity for kindness.

One time, Andrew came home to visit while he was living in Massachusetts. We noticed a toddler car seat in the back of his car and, of course, immediately asked if there was something we needed to know. He brushed it off, explaining that a coworker and her young daughter needed a ride home and he had helped them out.

It wasn’t until after Andrew passed away that we learned the rest of the story. We met this friend, and she shared how much Andrew had meant to both her and her daughter. She told us how he spoiled that little girl, showed up for them when they needed someone, and was a loyal and caring friend.

Since losing Andrew, many men and women have come to us to tell us about the impact he had on their lives. They have shared how his support, encouragement, and friendship played a profound role in their continued sobriety. Andrew never told us about these acts of kindness. He was imperfect, as we all are, but he loved deeply and gave generously. We are so proud to be his family.

Christian Sanchez and Jonathan Sanchez

Christian was my best friend from childhood. He and his brother, Jonathan Sanchez, both passed from their addiction.

The people we remember at Run for Hope were so much more than the way their lives ended. They were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, parents, best friends, and people who made others laugh. They were deeply loved, and they are deeply missed.

They are why we run.

Run for Hope is a chance to come together, say their names, share their stories, and remind families that they don’t have to carry their loss alone. It’s also a chance to celebrate recovery and show our community that there is always hope for those still struggling.

We’d love for you to be part of it.

Register for Run for Hope 2026 on August 29th and join us as we run and walk for the people we’ve lost and everyone still fighting for a different tomorrow.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!