Hampden Runs in Tessa’s Name: Inaugural Four-Mile Race Supports Women in Recovery

After losing Tessa to fentanyl, her family created Tessa’s House. On Aug. 30, Hampden will run to sustain treatment and support planned expansion for women.

HAMPDEN, ME, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Hampden is coming together to help women fighting addiction find treatment and recovery. Hampden Academy’s cross-country team will join runners from across the community. Participants as young as two are expected at the starting line. Families, neighbors and local supporters will cheer them on. Christy Buss, a nationally known choreographer and L.A. Lakers’ Buss family member, will also attend. Her career includes the Los Angeles Rams, Clippers and Sparks. Buss was Tessa's artistic skating coach and mentor. Buss's support is also personal. She has spoken publicly about loving someone who battled addiction.
“I have known the heartbreak of watching someone you love battle addiction,” Buss said. “Tessa had a fire in her soul and a heart that never stopped giving. This house turns that love into something lasting.”

The inaugural Tessa’s House Run for Women in Recovery takes place on Aug. 30. The four-mile race starts at 8 a.m. at Hampden Academy. Proceeds from the four-mile race support treatment and recovery services for adult women across Maine.
“Women needing treatment are part of our community. They are our daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, friends and neighbors. This race gives people a way to support them. They can run, bring children or cheer,” said Tess Irving, Race Coordinator.
The race comes as Maine continues to face a persistent need for treatment. Preliminary state figures counted 390 fatal and 7,313 nonfatal overdoses in 2025. Fatal overdoses declined nearly 9 percent during 2026’s first half. The comparison covers the same period in 2025. Access to treatment remains urgent.

Tessa's House opened in Washington, Maine, in June 2025. The residential program has 16 beds. It serves adult women with substance use disorder. Most residents stay 30 to 45 days. To date, Tessa’s House has served 118 women and currently supports five residents. Recent program data show a 70 percent graduation rate. Among graduates, 70 percent chose to extend their treatment stays.

“Many women tell us this is the first time they have ever felt safe. They feel supported here in ways they have never experienced. Many residents also choose to extend their stays. Our goal is helping every woman reach her highest potential,” said Ashlee Fae-Johnson, executive director.

Race proceeds will help sustain current treatment and support planned expansion. The foundation is preparing additional services through its licensed Waterville office. Those services are not operating yet.
The Tessa Lee Libby Foundation created Tessa's House in memory of Tessa Lee McCue. She was a Hampden mother and competitive figure skater. She died from a fentanyl-related overdose in November 2022 at age 37. Her family established the treatment center for other women seeking recovery. The race brings that mission home to Hampden.

“Tessa was more than the way we lost her. She was a daughter, mother, skater and someone who loved deeply. This race brings her name home to Hampden. It also supports women fighting for their futures,” said Debbie McCue, Tessa's mother.

McCue Law will cover registration fees for participating cross-country team members. Registration remains open for the four-mile race and Kids Fun Run until August 30.

Event Details
• Four-mile race: Sunday, Aug. 30 at 8 a.m.
• Registration and packet pickup: 6:30 a.m.
• Adult awards: 9:15 a.m.
• Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m., age 8 and younger, one lap, $10
• Location: Hampden Academy, 89 Western Ave., Hampden, Maine 04444
• Four-mile registration: $35

Registration: runsignup.com/Race/ME/Hampden/tessashouserunforrecovery

About Tessa's House
Founded in 2023, the Tessa Lee Libby Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It expands treatment access for women with substance use disorders in Maine. The foundation created Tessa’s House, a 16-bed residential treatment center. The center operates at 276 RazorVille Road in Washington, Maine. Care is trauma-informed, evidence-based, person-centered and guided by national clinical standards. Most residents stay 30 to 45 days.

Learn more: tessaleelibby.org

Diana Lammerts (Virestra)
Tessa Lee Libby Recovery Center
hello@virestra.com
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