After struggling with alcoholism, Ronan O’Brien found help from Hope House Ministries and its founder Father Francis “Frank” Pizzarelli, S.M.M., DCSW.
Ronan O’Brien (L) with friends.
Now thriving again as a senior at SJC Long Island, O’Brien, 33, wanted to find a way to give back to Hope House Ministries. So he decided to join the David Goggins 4x4x48 Virtual Running Challenge.
Running four miles every four hours March 5–7, O’Brien will run a total for 48 miles in two days, during which he’ll be raising money for every mile that he runs. And as every participant gets to designate where their proceeds will go, O’Brien chose to support Hope House Ministries.
Click here to support O’Brien’s mission.
“I have chosen to support HHM because I have benefitted directly from the great services they provide,” said O’Brien, who’s earning a B.S. in Accounting at St. Joseph’s College. “I was given a great opportunity and a chance to refocus on what is important in life. In my time at Hope House, I have met some of the most amazing people I have ever known, and I hope to be a part of the greater Hope House community for many years to come.”
His Journey to Give Back
A nonprofit organization located in Port Jefferson, New York, Hope House Ministries provides compassionate, comprehensive and competent care for the poor, the marginal and the wounded.
“Father Frank encouraged and afforded me the opportunity to return to college here at St. Joe’s after being out of the classroom for more than five years,” said O’Brien, who will pursue an MBA in Accounting at St. Joseph’s after graduating with his bachelor’s this spring.
“I have gotten to know him over the years through our conversations, through his homilies, through his college lectures, and through his overall power of example,” O’Brien added. “Between being an educator at three institutions, a full-time priest, an advocate for the voiceless, and head of the multi-faceted organization that is Hope House Ministries, I wouldn’t wish (Fr. Frank’s) daily itinerary on anyone.”
So O’Brien jumped at the chance to be able to support and help House House and Fr. Frank.
As of March 3, O’Brien has raised $7,120 toward his goal of $12,000. Donations will be accepted up to the completion of the run on Sunday night.
“We are grateful for every penny donated,” the Mount Sinai resident said.
