As part of our campaign against stigma, Voices of Hope is sharing real stories of real people in recovery. Recovery looks a little different for everyone, but have some things in common: a change in lifestyle, a healthier and happier perspective and becoming a positive part of society. We can change our community and make it a better place to live and to recover, together! This is Tonya.

Hi – my name is Tonya Sanders.
My recovery story may be different than others but I want to take the time to tell you a little
about my story and how I got here.
I was born and raised in Cecil County, Elkton. To be exact, living here and having a big family,
all living in this area, drugs were all around. As a teen, I fell in love with my best friend who was
already in active addiction. That same time in my life my brother started using and continued for the
next 15 years. In that time I lost my parents and began drinking my feelings away. Shortly after
that I lost my best friend to an overdose and my brother moved out of state and successfully
completed rehab and now lives a life in recovery in another state. In that time I realized my
children were suffering and decided it was time to make a change in life. I started out attending
a few meetings and started volunteering with Voices of Hope. I want to give people in this
community the help and opportunities my family didn’t receive years ago. Working with Voices
of Hope I have been able to help so many friends, family and people in our community. I am
thankful for the opportunity that Voices of Hope has given me to make a difference .