A 26-year-old Spring Lake Heights native and recovering opioid addict is fighting addiction by walking over 2,500 miles from Maine to Key West, Florida.

Three years ago, Jessica Grieb lost two close friends, a boyfriend and her older brother to the opioid epidemic. 

Jessica has been struggling with opioid addiction herself for nine years. She feels the walk is giving her purpose and to keep going while paying tribute to her lost loved ones. 

"People have just been amazing. They'll come, they'll stop and give me water, some snacks…It helps me to see there's a lot more good in the world," she told News 12. 

She says she walks eight to nine hours each day. While in town, Grieb plans to reconnect with family and meet with several lawmakers, including Sen. Cory Booker.

Grieb hopes to arrive in Key West in February.