Ancaster's Christine Yanke overcomes addiction and loss to become yoga master trainer
Christine Yanke is the local 2021 community champion for the (virtual) Shoppers LOVE. YOU. Run for Women. She's also a former client of St. Joe’s Womankind Addiction Service. From July 4-11, Yanke will be among hundreds of people in our community who are running or walking a five- or 10-km route of their choice to raise funds for women’s mental health programs at St. Joe’s.
Ancaster's Christine Yanke overcomes addiction and loss to become yoga master trainer
Run for Women from July 4 to 11
Written by Mike Pearson, Editor, Hamilton Community News | June 12, 2021
Christine Yanke went from being a stay-at-home mom to the sole breadwinner for her three sons when her husband was arrested in a police raid and later sentenced to 20 years in jail for his involvement with the Hells Angels.
Then, just hours after she arrived home from her husband’s trial, Yanke’s mother died suddenly at 62.
From 2001 to 2004, between her husband’s arrest, his trial and incarceration, Yanke was forced to find a job, look after her Ancaster home, and provide for her family, while managing her own personal stress and grief.
“It was terrifying,” said Yanke, who’s now 54. “I didn’t really know what to do or where to go.”
Yanke got a full-time job driving a garbage truck for the City of Hamilton, which offered a steady income and stability.
Around that time, Yanke became more involved in social drinking. She was also introduced to cocaine.
“It was a way of getting away from the stress, until it wasn’t,” she said.
Before long, Yanke’s world was spiralling out of control. She was becoming a recluse in her own house. Yanke would frequently stay up all night while her boys were sleeping, and she didn’t know when it was going to stop.
By Dec. 2004, Yanke went to her doctor and admitted she needed help. Her doctor told her about Womankind Addiction Service at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Then one night while she was listening to some music her mother had enjoyed, Yanke felt her mother communicating with her.
“I had that moment where I felt her presence; I felt her energy. I felt her nudging me, saying, ‘You have to take care of yourself. The boys need you. You have to get sober.’”
About a week later, Yanke called Womankind. She enrolled in six weeks of detox and started a treatment program in Jan. 2005.
She’s remained sober ever since.
To read the full story of Yanke’s recovery, visit Hamilton Community News.
To help Yanke raise funds in support of women’s mental health programs at St. Joe’s, visit the Team Christine for Womankind sponsorship page.