He isn't asking anyone to walk a mile in his shoes, but he'd appreciate it if you'd walk six alongside him to help others get out of the trap he has escaped.

Jason Lee says his drug of choice was, "all of them." But with the help of 2nd Chance Outreach and the power of Christ, he was freed.

It was a donation that paid for him to get the rehabilitation he'd needed for eight years and now, after five months clean, Lee said he wants to make sure others have the chance he did.

The Freedom Fest, he and his wife, Genny, are working on with Partners in Prevention and 2nd Chance, is set for the National Drug Awareness Day, September 25th.

The event begins with a walk, which participants will be seeking sponsors for. The walk is scheduled to conclude at noon on the grounds of the Veterans' Fairgrounds, in Russell Springs.

The fairgrounds is to be the scene of the games, rides and bands that are scheduled.

Lee said they are looking for walkers right now, and there are several points that they will be starting from, if the six-mile walk is more than what some people can or should attempt.

"A lot of the people are paying their pledges in advance," Lee said. "That is kind of what we'd prefer. That way we can have the vouchers already when we get to the fest. Then if people are there who need the treatment we can get them into treatment then."

For every $1,000 raised, someone in the area will receive a voucher for 30 days of treatment at 2nd Chance Outreach in Jamestown.

At the festival, the Lees said, along with free entertainment, inflatables, low-cost food and drinks, a Cornhole tournament and car show are expected as well.

Live Christian music is planned from artists including Matt Franklin, Billy Flatt, Wade Daffron, Larry Baker and bands such as Driven, Living Water and more.

Genny Lee stressed that there will also be representatives from several family support groups at the gathering.

She indicated how important groups such as Celebrate Recover, Al-Anon, Adanta and others can be to the family members of those whose lives are consumed by substance abuse.

For more information about participating in the fundraising contact the Lees at 270-585-1948 or 270-866-1252, Russell Springs United Methodist Church at 270-585-1948, 2nd Chance Outreach at 270-384-9548 or Partners in Prevention at 270-343-6247.

All walkers will need a sponsor sheet that requires the names, addresses, phone numbers and amounts given by the sponsors. All donations should be made payable to RSUMC or 2nd Chance Outreach and must be collected by Sept. 19.

"Help us break the destructive cycles of addiction that tear our families and homes apart as well as destroy our children's future," as the event poster says.