Trail of Truth

07/28/2026

Trail of Truth honors every life lost to substance use 💜

While overdose deaths are an important part of the story, they are not the only substance use-related deaths we memorialize. We remember loved ones lost to long-term health complications, infections and illnesses related to substance use, accidents, su***de, and other circumstances connected to substance use.

Every loss matters. Every person has a story. Every family deserves space to remember.🕯️

Trail of Truth is a place for all of them.

If you have lost someone to a substance use-related death, we invite you to honor their life with us at this year’s NYS Trail of Truth and submit them to be memorialized at the event.

🗓 Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
📍 92 Court St., Binghamton, NY 13905
🕛 Event: 12 PM–7 PM

Visit trailoftruth.org or click the link in the comments below to submit your loved one 💜

07/28/2026

Volunteers Needed for the 2026 New York State Trail of Truth! 💜

We're looking for compassionate, creative, and community-minded folks to help and make this year's Trail of Truth the best it can be!

Whether you can help in the week leading up to the event, day-of set up, greet attendees, assist with activities, table, or generally lend a hand behind the scenes, your time can make a meaningful difference. Plus, donate 10+ hours of your time and get a one-of-a-kind gift bag as a thank you from us! 🥰

This event honors lives impacted by the overdose crisis, uplifts stories of hope, and brings our community together through remembrance, education, and connection

Interested? Visit the link in the flyer and comments below to register! 👇

We'd love to have you join us. Together, we can create space of healing and advocacy that goes beyond anything seen before in both our state and on a national level! ♥🤝

07/28/2026

🎶 Calling Local Artists! 🎶

Do you have a passion for music and a heart for your community? We’re looking for local solo musicians to perform at the New York State Trail of Truth on Saturday, August 22nd in downtown Binghamton 🎤

Trail of Truth is a powerful day of remembrance, education, and advocacy honoring lives lost to substance use-related deaths. Through music, storytelling, and community, we aim to inspire hope, healing, and action. This year, the New York State Trail of Truth is held right here in Binghamton! 🌲

🗓 Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
📍 92 Court St., Binghamton, NY 13905
🕛 Event: 12 PM–7 PM
🎤 Speakers & live performances begin at 5 PM

If you’re interested in sharing your talent and being part of this meaningful event, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the link in the comment section to apply! 👇

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post and tagging local musicians who would be a great fit 💜

07/28/2026

Planning to participate in this year’s NYS Trail of Truth? Take a moment to swipe through these FAQs.

In this post, you’ll find information about:
🖤 How to submit the name of a loved one to be honored
🎨 Why we ask volunteers to use only black and white paint
🤝 How to volunteer or become a sponsor
🎯 The goals and purpose of the Trail of Truth
💰 Why we’re calling for opioid settlement funds to be spent responsibly and transparently

Every name painted and tombstone represents a life. Every volunteer, sponsor, and participant helps carry this movement forward.

If you don’t see your question answered, drop it in the comments or send us a message, we’re here to help! Thank you for helping us honor them.

07/27/2026

👀 Something special is on the way..

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be unveiling exclusive 2026 New York State Trail of Truth merchandise leading up to this year’s event! From apparel to keepsakes, each item is designed to honor those we’ve lost, support those still fighting, and help carry the message of remembrance and hope.

Stay tuned as we reveal each piece…one at a time. 💜

07/27/2026

Did you know that we're looking for volunteers for the 2026 New York State Trail of Truth?! 💜

We're looking for compassionate, creative, and community-minded folks to help and make this year's Trail of Truth the best it can be!

Whether you can help in the week leading up to the event, day-of set up, greet attendees, assist with activities, table, or generally lend a hand behind the scenes, your time can make a meaningful difference. Plus, donate 10+ hours of your time the week of Trail and get a one-of-a-kind gift bag and baseball hat as a thank you from us! 🥰

This event honors lives impacted by the overdose crisis, uplifts stories of hope, and brings our community together through remembrance, education, and connection
Interested? Visit the link in the flyer and comments below to register! 👇

We'd love to have you join us. Together, we can create space of healing and advocacy that goes beyond anything seen before in both our state and on a national level! ♥🤝

07/26/2026

Wisconsin!

Tomorrow's the day!

Join us for the Opening Reception of the INTO LIGHT Project's Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories exhibition at the Sauk Prairie River Arts Center in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM

We invite you to spend time with these portraits and stories, each offering an opportunity to reflect on the lives behind the disease and the families who continue to carry their memories forward.

We look forward to seeing you there!

07/24/2026

“We honor them.”

Three simple words. A promise.

This year, we chose “We honor them” as the guiding quote for the Trail of Truth, inspired by the powerful poem by Sara Rian . It reminds us why we gather each year. We gather not only to remember those we’ve lost to substance use-related deaths, but to honor the lives they lived, the love they gave, and the people they continue to be in the hearts of those who miss them.

To honor someone is to speak their name. To tell their story. To refuse to let them become just another statistic. To fight for a future where fewer families experience this kind of loss.

Throughout this year’s Trail, you’ll see these words woven into our memorials, artwork, and community. Although they light the path for this year’s Trail of Truth, we hope they become more than a theme. We hope they become a commitment we carry with us long after the event is over.

We honor their lives. We honor their stories. We honor their families. We honor the fight for change.

“We honor them.” 💜

07/18/2026

We are so grateful for Shelley’s support. This has been such a beautiful and BIG way to support organizations and to keep CJ’s memory alive. Bracelets for C.J. Will be at the NYS Trail of Truth 2026 on August 22 in Binghamton NY. We hope to see you there.

I started making Bracelets for C.J. Not too long after he passed. I couldn’t believe I lost my only child so I needed to do something to keep me busy, to keep his name out there and to keep his memory alive. I started working with a Group called Truth Pharm who were helping people who had substance use disorder and educating the community about the he**in epidemic. I also started going to a Group called Compassionate Friends who helped people navigate their grief after losing a child. I donated all the proceeds i have made from the bracelets to both of these groups. It has been 10 years later and I have also donated to a couple of more organizations such as Hopes Closet and Voices Recovery Center who also help people who are recovering from substance used disorder. I have written the same words many times over that I did not want C.J.‘s death to be for nothing. I hope he is proud of his mama. He always said he didn’t want to disappoint us and I don’t want to disappoint him. I am happy to say that I have donated $9000 in his honor and I am hoping to be able to hit the $$10,000 mark. No matter how they passed I want you to wear this bracelet in memory of a loved one you have lost. After all these years, the bracelets are still $15 each and all of the proceeds get donated. I understand times are tough now, but there are so many people out there who need our help. I have a couple of events coming up in the next month which I will be posting about soon. Also, if you’re interested in any of the bracelets, feel free to get in touch with me. I would so greatly appreciate it and huge thank you to all of you who have bought bracelets from me.

I love and miss you so very much my beautiful son!