Harold T. grew up in Queens, New York, in a home marked by the absence of his father. With little guidance, he turned to the streets at a young age, where drugs and alcohol quickly became part of his daily life. Still, he managed to graduate from high school and, against the odds, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Through determination and discipline, he rose to the rank of Corporal.

During his service, Harold completed two medical deployments to the Mediterranean. Yet even while serving his country, he continued to battle the grip of addiction. Eventually, he was honorably discharged, carrying both the pride of his service and the weight of his struggles.

Back in North Carolina, Harold found work as a technician in a behavioral health facility and even earned two college degrees. But despite these accomplishments, his addiction persisted. To sustain it, he began robbing drug dealers and eventually stores. This destructive path led to his arrest and a 17-year prison sentence for armed robbery. Ironically, prison became the place where Harold found sobriety. For nearly two decades behind bars, he remained clean, proving to himself that change was possible.

After his release, Harold sought a fresh start. He completed a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program through the VA and moved to Arizona, determined to build a new life. But the challenges didn’t end there. He faced a painful relapse, a broken marriage, and even a suicide attempt, which ultimately led him back to prison.

Today, Harold lives with the reality of being 100% disabled due to prostate cancer. Yet his spirit remains focused on hope and healing. He dreams of reuniting with his wife in North Carolina and living out his days in peace, dedicating himself to helping others who struggle with substance use disorder.

Harold’s message to those still caught in addiction is simple but powerful: “Education along with a spiritual basis is absolutely necessary… that’s the only way to build a successful life.”

His journey is one of hardship, resilience, and an enduring desire to turn pain into purpose.