Beverly Vance Aikins, mother of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and an advocate for addiction recovery, will speak before the Carroll County Republican Women’s Quarter Auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Hall, 616 Roswell Road NW.
Aikins, whose struggle with heroin and alcohol addiction was chronicled in her son’s bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" and its 2020 film adaptation, will share her story of survival, transformation and faith. Organizers called her appearance a historic moment for Carroll County, welcoming the mother of a sitting vice president to share her testimony.
Once a nurse with a promising career, Aikins’ addiction began with a Vicodin pill for a headache and escalated to heroin. She lost her nursing license, cycled through five marriages and became homeless, living out of her car.
In 2015, with the support of friends and her church community, she entered a sober living facility in Covington, Kentucky, and began her recovery. Now 10 years clean, she works as a nurse at an addiction recovery center in the Cincinnati area, mentoring others facing similar struggles.
“Recovery is hard,” Aikins said in a recent interview, “but it’s so worth it.”
At the 2024 Republican National Convention, Vance brought his mother on stage, telling the crowd: “My mom is here, 10 years clean and sober. I love you, Mom.”
The Quarter Auction doors will open at 5 p.m. to allow guests to view donations. Aikins will speak at 6 p.m., followed by the auction.
Admission is $10 and includes one paddle. Additional paddles are $5, with all-in paddles available at the door. Judge Katelyn Dickey of the 7th District Court of Appeals will serve as master of ceremonies. The evening will include a 50/50 drawing, Republican merchandise and food available for purchase from Candlelight Catering.
For questions or registration, contact Lisa George at 330-904-4649 or Lucinda Oyer at 330-205-3305.
