Firsthand Account of Addiction from an Addict

Nationally renowned speaker Tim Ryan spent the day on campus talking with groups about the dangers of addiction on Wednesday. Tim, who is known as the “Hope Dealer” speaks from firsthand experience as a former heroin, cocaine and alcohol addict and the father of a 20-year old son who died of a drug overdose. He spoke to all students in Grades 7-12 in Convocation, met with health classes, delivered a powerful parent presentation at lunchtime and addressed Middle School students again in the afternoon.

His message, infused with humor and personal stories, resonated with all his audiences. He focused on the importance of selecting good friends, developing your spirituality, being a leader (Tim acknowledged the difficulty of doing so) and speaking up if you see a friend in trouble.

Many thanks to the Men's Club's Save a Life program for bringing Tim to Gilmour and the group’s continued focus on bringing awareness to the issue of drug and alcohol addiction.