Our Founder

5K Bird Walk for Recovery is put together by family and friends of Seneca ‘Bird’ Gibbs. Seneca was the youngest of four children, he was a very talented sketch artist who loved his family and fishing, and you could not find a more loyal friend.

Seneca grew into a big guy, 6’4”, and his heart was even bigger. Seneca was funny and serious, he was humble, and he was kind. He was my Baby Bird and earned that nickname when he broke his arm as a little boy. One of our family friends said, “The baby bird has broken his wing,” and the name stuck. 

Addiction is a chronic disease, much like cancer. And Seneca struggled with the disease of addiction and passed away on August 22, 2015. His experience with addiction, treatment, recovery, and, yes, even relapse inspires this walk.

At Seneca’s service, people extended their sympathy and mentioned having the same experience with a loved one. My immediate thought was, “why weren’t we talking to each other?” We could have helped and encouraged each other. I also wondered that IF EVERYONE HAS THE SAME SECRET, is it still a secret?

The shame and stigma attached to the disease of addiction and mental health prevents people from reaching out for help. The purpose of the 5K Bird Walk is to encourage the recovery community to “Recover Out Loud”. Speak Up! Speak Out! Help do away with the shame and stigma that prevent individuals and families from seeking treatment.

People would have you believe that I buried my son. I DID NOT. When I laid him in the ground, I

PLANTED A SEED, and from that seed grew this Recovery movement, the 5K Bird Walk for Recovery.

Very Sincerely yours,

Sylvia