LYNN — On March 6, Lynn Commons will once again be lined with black balloons and signs bearing the faces of those lost to substance use disorder and overdose, a solemn tribute meant to spark awareness and remembrance. The event, part of the national Black Balloon Day movement, is organized locally by Diane Hurley, who has been leading efforts to break the stigma around addiction and support those in recovery.
Hurley started the initiative after losing her son-in-law, Greg, to addiction in 2015. What began as a simple request on Facebook for people to hang black balloons outside their homes in remembrance of loved ones quickly grew into a nationwide movement.
“Two weeks before Greg’s anniversary, we put out an invitation asking people to hang a black balloon outside their residence or business if they had lost someone to substance use,” Hurley said. “On March 6, 2016, 42,000 people participated. It just took off.”
Since then, the effort has expanded internationally, with nearly 14,000 members on the Black Balloon Day Facebook page. In 2019, the movement became a nonprofit, raising funds through events like golf tournaments, comedy shows and motorcycle runs. The money goes toward helping individuals in recovery by covering their first month’s rent in sober living homes.
“We get requests from programs that have individuals serious about their sobriety,” Hurley said. “These are people who often have nothing, and we pay their rent so they can get settled and find a job. A lot of them don’t want to go back home because home is familiar — and sometimes, familiar can mean falling back into old habits.”
Last year, Black Balloon Day in Lynn took on a new form, moving from Lynn City Hall to the Commons. Signs were placed around the park, each featuring a photograph, name and life dates of someone who had died from substance use disorder, with a black balloon attached. The same will be done again this year, with volunteers setting up the display at 8:30 a.m. and taking it down around 5 p.m.
Hurley says raising awareness about addiction has become easier over the years, but stigma remains a significant barrier.
“People weren’t so eager to admit their loved ones died from addiction when we started,” she said. “Even now, when we offer to cover the cost of making the signs for the Commons, many families don’t want it out there. We’re trying to end the stigma, but it’s still there.”
The impact of Black Balloon Day has extended beyond Lynn. This year, Peabody High School students will participate by hanging paper balloons inscribed with the names of loved ones lost. Hurley hopes more schools and communities will follow suit in the coming years, and that others will take on organizing similar events.
“It’s hard,” she said. “We try to reach different communities, but we can’t be everywhere. If others stepped in to do it in their own cities, that would mean so much.”
Hurley has also faced personal loss beyond her son-in-law. In 2019, her own son died of addiction.
“My son had a story,” she said quietly. “I started this for my son-in-law. And then, in 2019, we lost our son, too.”
Despite the grief, Hurley remains dedicated to the cause, pushing for greater awareness and resources for those struggling with addiction. Black Balloon Day is not just about remembrance — it’s a call to action.
For those who want to support Black Balloon Day, contributions can be made via Venmo (@BlackBalloonDay), or inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. The organization also welcomes volunteers and community participation through the Black Balloon Day Facebook page.
“This money goes fast,” Hurley said. “If we raise $20,000 at a golf tournament, that supports about 20 people. We always need more, but we do what we can.”
With each balloon placed at Lynn Commons, Hurley hopes people will stop, reflect and understand the human toll of addiction.
