Project Purple again takes aim at substance abuse

Project+Purple+again+takes+aim+at+substance+abuse

10940447_781322725286279_5526669263047519918_nProject Purple, a week-long event to raise awareness for substance abuse, took place on campus from Monday, January 27 to Friday, January 31.
The week was full of events that included student involvement in signing pledges, three guest speakers who spoke about their lives as addicts, and Purple Day where everyone on campus was to wear the color purple. Leis were handed out at the basketball game to support the project, and Torvian supported the cause throughout the week also.
Dani Gryckiewicz, a junior at Saint Francis and member of the women’s tennis team, said that the guest speakers were really uplifting for her and the community.
“The guest speakers talked about life as an addict, and I think it helped the community understand the problem and hopefully become more supportive of Project Purple,” said Gryckiewicz. “All the students were engaged, and it was awesome to see.”
It is important to have this project on campus to raise awareness of substance abuse that is often overlooked by students, said Gryckiewicz.
“I think that it’s important that college students can step up and put being ‘cool’ aside for five minutes,” said Gryckiewicz, “and show support for those in recovery or trying to get sober.”
Project Purple was brought to Saint Francis by Gryckiewicz, who heard about it initially at a Leadership Conference where it inspired her to take part in the project. She brought it to Saint Francis through SAAC (Student-athlete Advisory Committee) who was really supportive with the idea from the beginning.
“A lot of college students go out thinking they don’t have a problem, that they are just living the college life,” said Gryckiewicz. “My brother thought the same; he thought it was all fun until it wasn’t fun anymore.”
Gryckiewicz thought that it would be important for Saint Francis students and faculty to learn more about the effects of substance abuse.
“The most meaningful part about Project Purple is how close it hits to home,” said Gryckiewicz. “My brother is a recovering drug addict, who seven months ago was at rock bottom. I started Project Purple to support him and others in recovery because I have seen first-hand that it isn’t an easy road.”
This event could not have been possible without the help and support from John Krimmel, Kellie Mason, Dasha Cherkasov, Jim Brazill, David Wilson, the Counseling Center and Torvian.
“Thank you so much for everyone who supported Project Purple,” said Gryckiewicz. “Together we can stand up against substance abuse and help those in recovery!”
Project Purple was started by Chris Herren, a former professional athlete who ended up losing his career because of substance abuse. It is an annual event, and this is the second year for Saint Francis to take part.