By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

Typically having someone to walk with makes the journey more enjoyable. 

The late Dr. Peter Leighton was one of those people who tried to make difficult journeys more tolerable for others. As a primary care provider specializing in addiction medicine, he was able to provide support.

“He was passionate about treating patients who struggled with addiction,” said 

Candy Greenberg, the communication specialist with Lake Region Recovery Center (LRRC).

“He was the pillar of our recovery community. He was the absolute foundation of our recovery community in the Lake Region,” she said.  

On Saturday, Sept. 18, there will be a Recovery Remembrance Walk to honor Leighton.

The event, which starts at 10 a.m., is hosted by LRRC. The walk will start at Crooked River Counseling, 87 South High St. (That’s next to the entrance to the Bridgton Hospital.)

There is no cost be part of the walk, and no need to register ahead of time, Greenberg said

“Walkers are going to meet at Crooked River Counseling. What we are going to do is we are going to meet up and walk through town with a police escort. We will walk down to the monument, walk down Main Street, take a right at Renys, walk through Pondicherry Park and back through South High Street,” she said, outlining the walking route.   

After the walk, participants will gather at Crooked River Counseling for a recovery rally. There will be guest speakers, t-shirts for sale, booths manned by different recovery-oriented agencies and food.

“Free lunch will be provided,” she said.  

There will be some personal touches that will be done with Dr. Leighton in mind.  

“We are doing a purple powder salute to him as a remembrance. Also, we will have a guitarist show up and play one of Peter’s favorite songs,” Greenberg said.

September is National Recovery Month so that will dovetail with the Recovery Walk.

Dr. Leighton was a primary care provider with Bridgton Hospital since 2013. He was the medical director at Crooked RiverCounseling.

Dr. Leighton died on June 29, 2021, from brain cancer. He was 48 years old.