7 years ago, I genuinely didn’t think I’d live to see 36. Growing up, all I ever wanted was to play hockey. When shoulder injuries took that dream away, I was lost. I tried going back to school, hated it, and had no idea what I really wanted from life. My little sister wanted to apply for Big Brother Canada but was too young. So I applied instead. I had never even watched the show. Somehow, I won. I was on top of the world…..Until I wasn’t. I partied too much, blew through the money, and fell into an intense addiction. Within a year and a half of winning Big Brother, I was waiting tables….. I had lost everything. Eventually, I was homeless, addicted to drugs, and didn’t recognize the person I’d become. I burned bridges. Hurt people who loved me. Made decisions I still regret today. Getting clean doesn’t erase those things. And I don’t expect it to. One day at one of my lowest points, sleeping on my ex-girlfriend’s couch, I applied to the Thirst Lounge. That decision changed everything. I spent a year on the island, discovered poker, found a community, and a family. Bill Perkins did so much for me, even though he didn’t have to. I can’t thank him enough. Through the Thirst Lounge, I met Phil Nagy and ACR Poker. Phil and ACR believed in me when I hadn’t given anyone much reason to. I genuinely believe they saved my life. I got clean on the island and slowly started rebuilding. Now, five years later, I’m 36, off drugs, and making a living playing a game. A GAME. I’m not pretending I have everything figured out. I don’t. I still have regrets. I still have things I’m working on. And there are parts of my past I’ll probably always wish I could change. But I’m here. I’m off drugs. I’m doing something I love. And I’m getting another chance at a life I once didn’t think I’d have. To Bill, Phil, everyone at ACR, the people who stuck by me, and even the people who had to walk away — thank you… and I’m sorry ❤️ If you’re in a place right now where you can’t see a way out, I won’t pretend it’s easy. But six years ago, I couldn’t see one either. I’m 36 now. And for a long time, I never thought I’d get to say that. ❤️