Andre Davis struggled with drug and alcohol addiction on and off for the past 30 years. However, he wasn’t the only one who suffered from his addiction.
“I wasn’t there for the birthdays, the graduations, the important times in my kids’ life. I wasn’t there,” said Andre Davis, an intensive case manager at the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic (Highlands Health).
Davis moved to Johnstown four years ago and thanks to the White Deer Run halfway house and the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic – where he works now – he’s clean and has rebuilt his life and the relationship with his son, Derae Mora, who is a model in New York City.
The two joined together to help organize the clinic’s annual fundraiser in August.
Top stylists and designers from the fashion world will come to Johnstown, including Beyonce’s stylist, Ty Hunter, and AJ Crimson, a celebrity makeup artist. Now, the clinic is looking for models and dancers to audition to perform at the fundraiser.
“‘Insure Our Future’ has a double meaning. We’re helping those who need the medical assistance, but also with the model and dancer search we are basically going to be able to help a couple of these young people launch their career,” said Rosalie Danchanko, the executive director of the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic.
With the help of his son, Davis wants this event to remind people struggling with addiction that there is a road to recovery and a way to rebuild your family.
Workers at the clinic said they’re excited for the event, but they also hope it sends a message to people struggling with addiction.
“There is hope not only for the recovering addict, but also for the family that suffers greatly as they go through and deal with this horrible disease,” said Danchanko.
“I’m not only fighting the addiction, I’m fighting to build my family. I’m fighting for my family,” Davis said.
Registration for models and dancers ends on June 30th and costs $25.
You can find out more information about the clinic and the fundraiser by visiting the clinic’s website: http://www.johnstownfreemedicalclinic.com/.
