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Thousands March To Penn's Landing In Fight Against Drug And Alcohol Addiction

By Mike Dougherty

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- More than 20,000 people from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region marched to Penn's Landing Saturday morning to celebrate those who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

The Pro-Act Recovery Walk is in its 12th year and it continues to get bigger.

"It's celebrating individuals who have been able to access and sustain long-term recovery," says organizer Beverly Haberle, "and all of those people who helped make that happen."

Alexis is just beginning her journey and says the love and support at the event means the world to her.

"I've been in recovery 53 days," she says. "It lets me know I'm not alone. I have the support of people who I don't know, people I do know that struggle with the same things I struggle with."

Alexis strives to someday be where Cheryl is -- 24 years clean and sober.

"Miracles do happen," says Cheryl. "I have never seen so many people on one accord. This is fabulous."

She says she wouldn't have made it 24 hours sober, let alone 24 years, without the support of friends and family, and that's what the day is all about.

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