As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them. 

In the wake of tragedy, “Marissa” walked a dark path. Now she’s living proof that everyone has the capacity to change.

Marissa, 36, lost her husband to heart failure nearly 12 years ago. While he was hospitalized, their 5-week-old daughter caught the flu and came close to death. The trauma of these experiences badly affected Marissa. 

“Unfortunately, I didn’t react the right way,” she said. “I chose drugs.” 

While in the throes of addiction, Marissa lost custody of two of her children and later received a prison sentence for theft. It was a turning point. 

“Before I got out, I found God,” she said. 

While she was incarcerated, a pastor shared a Bible verse with Marissa that would transform her life. 

The verse was Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

“It was what’s given me my new version of life,” she said. “From that moment forward, I haven’t craved drugs. I haven’t wanted it. The only thought I put into it is helping other people recovered.” 

Marissa has been sober for seven years. Now a mother of four, she regained custody of her children and she’s in a healthy relationship. 

“It’s still a bit of a struggle each day, but we’re clean and sober and I have all my children,” she said. “I work for an amazing boss who believed in me from day one and really helped me keep my life on a good path.” 

Marissa’s daughter, now 11 years old, is on the autism spectrum and struggles with behavioral problems. She is attending a new school this year that better suits her educational needs. 

“This has been the first year that she hasn’t hated school and she likes to go every day,” Marissa said. 

Canopy Village identified Hope Reins in Athol as a good fit for Marissa’s daughter. The nonprofit practices “equine therapy,” helping children find relief from stress and improve their coping skills by connecting with animals outside the confines of a standard therapy session. 

Through community donations, Press Christmas for All paid for 10 equine therapy sessions for Marissa’s daughter. Marissa said these therapy sessions have helped improve her daughter’s mental health. 

“It’s such a beautiful place,” she said. “They were there for us during some major crisis moments. Horse therapy helped (my daughter) find peace of mind and level out. That was something totally God-sent to help us.” 

Marissa shared a message of hope for other people living with addiction. 



“With God and enough determination, anything is possible,” she said. “We do recover and we become productive members of society. We can help change lives. Keep hanging on.”