Journey

Kristin Stanton grew up in a loving, working-class family in upstate New York. A trumpet player in her high school marching band, she dreamed of a stable, happy life. But in her late teens and early twenties, Kristin’s choices led her down a harrowing path of addiction, abusive relationships, and life on the streets.

Over the years, She battled alcoholism, heroin and crack addiction. She endured profound trauma including sexual violence and repeated stints in rehab. Kristin chose her path of self-destruction. It was not forced upon her by anyone. She worked as a prostitute to pay for her drugs. She suffered the misery of homelessness. Yet her life was also marked by moments of strength, from hiking the entire Appalachian Trail to working in emergency rooms, where she found purpose in helping others.