Contributed Photo
A childhood photo from Vanessa Shimer and her little brother, James, who passed away from a fentanyl overdose in 2019.
SHELTON — Vanessa Shimer is running the race of her life in hopes of saving someone else’s.
Shimer wasn’t able to save her younger brother, James Karcher, whom she tragically lost to a fentanyl overdose in 2019. But that will never stop Shimer from doing whatever she can to honor her brother’s memory, while trying to raise awareness about the stigma surrounding opioid addiction.
“James was my only sibling, and he was younger than me by three years to the day,” Shimer said. “It was our special day, twins but not twins. James was compassionate, charismatic and incredibly funny. We had the most fun growing up together. We especially loved the warmer months going to the beach and swimming in our pool. I can still hear his laughter and the joy he would feel by splashing the cold water at me.”
The Shelton native said her brother battled substance abuse for more than 10 years. He lost his battle with addiction on Aug. 17, 2019 at 28 years old. He was one of 36,000 people to die from overdosing on fentanyl that year.
Contributed Photo
James Karcher
“As we were when we were little and until the day he passed, we were best friends,” Shimer said. “He was the other half of me and navigating life without him as my sibling is very different. I would do and probably still would do anything to support him, love him and protect him. I’ll forever be proud of the fight he fought and now I will continue it for him.”
In dealing with her grief, Shimer discovered Shatterproof, an organization created by a dad who lost his son to an opioid overdose.
Now a national movement, Shatterproof aims to “revolutionize addiction treatment, end the stigma of addiction and empower and educate communities.”
Shimer was inspired to join Shatterproof’s advisory board, and is gearing up to participate in the organization’s virtual 5K on April 17. The organization’s goal is to raise $250,000 to combat addiction. She is asking others across the country to join her in the race to end the horrible disease that affects millions of Americans.
“I’ve met other parents, siblings, friends and loved ones who have lost their person to an accidental overdose or are currently fighting for their life,” Shimer said. “It’s not easy, and I would just encourage anyone to join us on this day or any day to have a discussion out loud, to show that stigma doesn’t have a place with substance use disorder.”
Shimer set a fundraising goal of $1,000, which she has since surpassed and is encouraged to know the proceeds from the 5K will benefit Shatterproof’s efforts, which include breaking down barriers addicts encounter when trying to get medical help.
“It’s so important for me to take part in this 5K to honor my brother James and all those have lost their fight and for those who are still fighting,” Shimer said. “It is equally important for me to raise awareness by talking publicly about Substance Use Disorder and to move toward breaking down the stigma behind it. The stigma is just as deadly, and it’s time we end it.”
Contributed photo
Vanessa and her brother.
Shimer is inviting folks to join her for the 5K at 8:30 a.m. April 17 at the entrance of the Derby Riverwalk near BJ’s Wholesale Club on Division Street. Others who’d like to participate can do it from the comfort of their own homes on their treadmills. Anyone can register or donate by clicking this link.
Shimer’s best friend Critsta Whiteman will lace up her running shoes and join the fight. She knew James, and said he was like her “little brother,” and growing up went on many vacations with the Shimer family.
“James was a caring, kind-hearted, loving and funny person,” Whiteman said. “He would give you the shirt off his back. He would light up a room with his smile. He also had the best laugh. That is one of my favorite things about him.”
Whiteman said running alongside Shimer is a no-brainer.
“Vanessa’s efforts to bring awareness and education about the disease of addiction will greatly impact many families,” Whiteman added. “We need people like Vanessa who can turn their grief into something positive. Throughout my life Vanessa has always been an important part of my support system and I will always do the same for her. James will always hold a special place in my heart and I am happy to contribute to anything in his honor.”
