MILTON, Mass. - On Tuesday, October 27th, more than 250 Curry College student-athletes attended a special presentation in the Student Center Gymnasium on substance abuse and recovery, featuring guest speakers Chris and Kathi Sullivan.
Married in 2011, Chris and Kathi speak to students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Chris, a former standout defensive lineman for Boston College and the New England Patriots, endured personal struggles with injuries, anxiety, and depression, which led to alcohol and drug abuse. Kathi, a realtor in New England, lost her 17 year old daughter Taylor as a result of a night of underage drinking. Chris and Kathi have overcome their agonizing experiences to make a positive impact on students everywhere.
Despite dealing with severe anxiety his entire life, Chris had a successful football career, eventually carving out a significant role on the 2001 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. However, the anxiety combined with multiple injuries began to take their toll, leading to a deep depression. With alcohol, pain killers, and heroin controlling his life, Chris totaled four cars, was arrested for five OUI's, and checked into fifteen rehabilitation centers all in a six-year period. With the unyielding support of family and friends, Chris pulled himself out of addiction and met Kathi shortly thereafter.
Kathi, who was a single mom with three beautiful children, Zack, Taylor, and Logan, received the horrific news on an October morning in 2008 that her daughter Taylor was found drowned in two feet of swamp water after a night of underage drinking. Despite the devastation, Kathi began speaking at schools to share Taylor's message, determined to make sure the loss of her daughter was not without purpose.
Together, Chris and Kathi impart powerful messages to their audiences. Stressing that making good choices can lead to greatness, and that asking for help when needed is a sign of strength, Chris and Kathi "hit home" with their audiences. After hearing Chris and Kathi speak, students often express their newfound realization that they are vitally important to their friends and family, and that negative emotions can be overcome by using support systems rather than abusing drugs or alcohol.
