Feb. 18, 2024 – Jill Cichowicz, who founded the group 2 End The Stigma, smiles on Saturday as she talks to guests during the seventh annual “A Night For Scott” at the John Marshall Ballrooms in Richmond. Cichowicz’s twin brother, Scott Zebrowski, died of an overdose after he ingested a pill laced with fentanyl. His death prompted her to start the group. “She was telling my story,” Bogese said. “My entire life, I believed there was something fundamentally and intrinsically wrong with me.”
Bogese felt a connection with Cichowicz, which was key to her recovery. In the HARP program, Bogese began to heal. She was released in early 2020 and repaired her relationship with her daughters, who attended Saturday night. Two weeks ago, she was hired by the Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office as a peer recovery specialist, working with HARP participants, police and other first responders.
Her relationship with God motivates her and gives her a sense of self-worth, as do the supportive people in her life. She no longer feels the need to create an illusion that life is perfect, she said. It’s OK for her to say she struggles with depression and anxiety. She feels safe enough to be transparent about her life.
On Saturday night, she wanted everyone to see what her story represents — that recovery is possible, and that it’s not too late.
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