It takes a big commitment and a big heart to walk over 2,300 miles from Florida to Canada, spreading awareness about the struggles of addiction.

But one such man, ‘Big’ Jim Downs, has taken on the huge responsibility.

With a tall, wooden cross hoisted on his back, his wife Marisol Lozano by his side and a big smile on his face, Downs is walking through the entire east coast and only stopping along the way for what he calls the essentials; food, water, a place to sleep and, as he said, “a soul to save.”

Downs has been on the mission to fight the addiction epidemic since Feb. 1.

Now on the homestretch, with just a little over 100 miles to go, Downs has had enough time to reflect on everything he has seen and the people he has met along the way.
“This journey has shown me that there is still so much work to be done,” he said. “This walk is just the beginning.”

This week, Downs met with Sheriff Todd Caltagarone and District Attorney Shawn McMahon in Elk County, which according to Downs, has been the only place to be open to new methods of dealing with addiction.

“They were willing to listen and take it from someone who’s been there, with real interest,” Downs said.

According to Downs, they met and listened to his suggestions for over an hour. Mayor Tom Riel also took time out of his day on Friday to meet with Downs while he was travelling through Bradford to discuss his mission.

“We need more folks in authority like them,” Downs said. “They understand the importance of peer-to-peer engagement on this issue.”

With the addiction numbers rising to 23 million in the United States, Downs blamed the approach that is being taken to resolve the issue. He added he can understand addiction where a politician may not because of his personal struggle with addiction for 34 years.

“These people are only being given two options: either jail or a 9- day program,” Downs said. “Take it from someone who’s been there. Both of these are just vicious, repetitive cycles.”

While traveling through the local region, Downs stopped to enjoy the sights and parks along the way. Downs mentioned he particularly enjoyed the Kinzua Bridge and the walk down Main Street, where he was met with who he called the “Angel of Bradford.”

Downs said he was down to his last $40 while walking through Bradford when he was stopped by a local Bradford woman who was curious about the cross he was carrying.

“I explained my mission and she said ‘say no more’ and handed me $200 to help me along,” Downs said. “I don’t know her name, but I’m thankful that God put her in our direction.”

Downs is inviting anyone that wants to join him in the fight against addiction to walk the final 5-mile stretch to Canada. Downs is also accepting donations for those who cannot make the walk but would still like to help him on his mission. For more information, visit bigjimdownswalk.com