Over 200 supporters showed up to ‘Walking for Wellness: Stop Heroin’ wearing brightly colored t-shirts with the words “STOP HEROIN” printed boldly on the front Saturday, October 25.

‘Walking for Wellness: Stop Heroin’ is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded by Gee Vigna, who lost her daughter, Nicky, due to heroin. Walking for Wellness: Stop Heroin is dedicated to heroin prevention and education in communities nationwide. The walk raises awareness about heroin and works towards encouraging drug-free communities.

The supporters met at the Godfrey Dairy Queen parking lot and began walking down Godfrey Road carrying anti-heroin signs and waving at the cars driving by. The half way point was Alton/Wood River Sportsman's Club where they released balloons and begain their walk back to the rally point.

The event was in memory of Aaron Bonds, a former U.S. Marine that overdosed on heroin on June 13, 2014. This is the second walk in memory of Bonds and his family is very pleased about the amount of support they have recieved. More than just Aaron’s friends and family showed up to participate.

“There was a lot of people that showed up that had lost loved ones or knew people that are currently using,” said Edward Bonds, Aaron’s older brother.

It seemed as if everyone in the entire vicinity was compassionate about heroin use, crying out in support of stopping heroin as an issue in our community.

“Hearing everyone honk their horns as they drove by was awesome,” said Alysssa Narup, an anti-heroin supporter. “You could tell everyone loved it, some people even stopped just to buy t-shirts.”

Two different Anti-Heroin organizations showed up in support of the cause, to include Madison County Heroin Awareness Recovery and Prevention (MCHARP).

“I know he is looking down on us thinking this is a good thing that we are doing,” said Edward.

Story by: Brittany J. Kohler [ brittany@riverbender.com ]

Photos by: Brittany J. Kohler, with contributions from Laura Bonds and Lataua Applegate

Send your photos to news@riverbender.com or on twitter @RiverBenderNews