The Theurer family gathers together for a picture while filming “No Matter What: A Family Story of Addiction Recovery,” produced by Joining Forces for Children.
Addiction is a disease that often weaves itself into the fabric of a family, leaving a mark across generations. When Lancaster County resident Scott Theurer met his wife, Shannon, he was already deep in the throes of addiction. Their 17-year-old daughter, Devlyn, grew up watching her father and older sister, Braeden, each battle addiction and pursue a path to recovery.
The family’s story plays out in the 20-minute documentary, “No Matter What: A Family Story of Addiction Recovery,” produced by Joining Forces for Children.
Joining Forces for Children is an extension of Lancaster County Joining Forces, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s collaborative program to reduce opioid deaths.
The documentary tells the story of the Theurer family, and the path that both Scott and his stepdaughter Braeden followed as they fought their addiction on the road to recovery. Interviews throughout the documentary focus on events throughout Scott and Braeden’s life and the effect their illness had on the family.
Chris Glover, manager of community impact initiatives at LG Health, says sharing stories like this one helps to reduce the stigma of addiction and recovery.
“We wish that through the sharing of this family’s story, we will help others see what recovery looks like – and foster hope in others to ignite their own healing process,” she said.
Today, Theurer, who has been sober for over a decade, is an advocate and mentor for individuals in recovery. He started Recovery Day Lancaster to celebrate those in recovery and encourage those who are still suffering from addiction to seek help.
“I’m still growing and I’m still alive as a man in recovery,” Theurer said.
The documentary is available to the public. Individuals, community groups, and organizations may contact Glover at Christine.Glover@pennmedicine.upenn.edu to learn more on how to view the documentary.
Visit lancasterjoiningforces.org/families for more information on Joining Forces for Children.