NJ woman pens addiction & recovery journey in self-published book

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Friday, February 2, 2024
NJ woman pens addiction & recovery journey in self-published book
"God brought me out of the smoke, out of the situation that I was in, so that I can help others," said Chekesha Kay Ellis after recovering from an opioid addiction.

WILLINGBORO, New Jersey (WPVI) -- When she was 27 years old, a sudden trip-and-fall injury left Chekesha Kay Ellis taking pain medication. This eventually snowballed into a dangerous opioid addiction that lasted for about 10 years.



"The rock bottom moment for me was total isolation," she said. "I basically was sitting in my truck in a parking lot and realized that either I had to choose life or death."



Ellis chose life. And since quitting and recovering, she has become an author and nationwide advocate.



She wrote her book, A Life of 'Kayos' - My Opioid Journey Through Hell, Hope & Healing, in 2020.



"God walked me out of the smoke, out of the situation that I was in, so that I can help others," said Ellis. "He saved me to help others."



Watch the video above to hear more of her story in her own words.



RELATED: Formerly homeless man becomes traveling keynote speaker



"I had given up on life. I quit," said Frederick Shegog, a formerly homeless man who now travels the country with a motivational message.
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