In 1999, my life changed forever.

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My name is Tracy Kearney, and at the time I was a wife, a mother to four little girls—Kayla (8), Alexis (6), Nichole (4), and Heather (2)—and seven months pregnant with our son. Our home was full of life, noise, and love. From the outside, we looked like a family with everything going for us.

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My husband Mark was a devoted father, a loving husband, and a successful businessman in New York City. He served faithfully as an usher at our church. But behind all of that, Mark was quietly fighting a battle that many people never saw—addiction.

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Throughout our marriage, Mark struggled on and off. Eventually, he made the courageous decision to seek help through Adult & Teen Challenge. That season gave us hope. After completing the program, Mark was able to stay clean for a few years. He came home, re-engaged with our family, served in church, and we began rebuilding our life together.

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But addiction is relentless.

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While the program helped Mark take important steps toward sobriety, he didn’t have the long-term support and tools he needed once he returned home. The pressures of life and the weight of addiction were still there. Over time, he slipped back into that struggle.

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In 1999, that battle took his life.

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I was left a widow, seven months pregnant, with four young daughters to raise—and a future that looked nothing like what we had planned. The loss shattered our world. It’s a pain that never fully goes away.

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Addiction doesn’t just affect one person—it impacts entire families. It creates ripple effects of grief, confusion, and brokenness. It’s not just a personal struggle; it’s a family crisis, a societal issue, and a spiritual battle. And it cannot be overcome with a one-time solution. It requires ongoing support, accountability, compassion, and community.

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Because of what my family walked through, I understand the pain of addiction in a deeply personal way. I know what it’s like to pick up the pieces and keep going for the sake of your children. I know what it’s like to wish there had been more help, more support, more time.

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That’s why today, I am honored to serve as the East Coast Representative for Ready Now Recovery, a ministry of Adult & Teen Challenge. Through this work, I am committed to helping individuals and families find the hope and healing that we so desperately needed.

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No one should have to fight this battle alone. No family should have to suffer in silence.

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Together, we can break the cycle.
Together, we can bring hope.
Together, we can save lives.

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