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Indianapolis Star
22-05-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Jim Irsay transformed his battle with addiction to support others
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts owner Jim Irsay took his battle with addiction to the very end. But Irsay was able to change the terms of the fight over the years, taking a fight that had been personal and transforming it into a public crusade, the centerpiece of his lengthy and legendary list of philanthropic efforts, both in the city of Indianapolis and on a national level. Irsay, who died on Wednesday at the age of 65, saw an opportunity in his own story to change the culture's perception of addiction, culminating with the establishment of the Kicking the Stigma campaign in 2020. 'These are fatal diseases,' Irsay told IndyStar's Gregg Doyel in 2022. 'People get confused and they think, 'Well, he likes to party. Do some coke, do some shots, dance around.' It's nothing to do with that. This isn't partying. This is a downbound train in the dark.' Irsay was remarkably open about his own addiction. He saw the danger and destruction of the illness in his own life and those of his friends. The alcoholism he battled into his early years as the team's owner. The painkillers that grabbed hold after a string of surgeries related to the football he played at SMU and his powerlifting career in the '80's. Irsay was arrested in March of 2014 with prescription medication and $29,029 in cash, pled guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated and admitted to having hydrocodone, oxycodone and alprazolam in his system, a result Irsay attributed to recent hip surgery. The Colts owner has repeatedly said he's been to rehab at least 15 times, and he told HBO's 'Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel' in 2023 that he'd overdosed once. 'What it really comes down to is any fatal disease is difficult to deal with,' Irsay said. 'The tough issue here is that we as human beings are making it harder on other human beings that are suffering.' Irsay responded by celebrating and supporting the institutions dedicated to fighting addiction, by talking about his own history of addiction publicly and finally by founding Kicking the Stigma, a movement dedicated to removing the barriers surrounding all mental illnesses, including addiction. One of Irsay's prize possessions was the Big Book, a tract containing the doctrine that led to the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that helped Irsay overcome alcoholism. His interviews about his own battle with addiction stressed that addiction is an illness. Ultimately, the foundation of Kicking the Stigma was the culmination of everything he'd done. Kicking the Stigma is about all forms of mental illness, and the $31 million that has been committed to mental health awareness, organizations and research, along with $6.4 million in action grants distributed to mental health nonprofits, have targeted all forms of mental illness. The Colts have also championed and supported their players through a wide range of mental illness that has not included addiction. But by using the example of his own life, Irsay always made sure that addiction was included, pointing out that addiction is often viewed as a demon, rather than an illness. 'People are afraid, they're scared, they're lonely, they're outgunned,' Irsay said. 'They need support in a big way.' Irsay had been in their shoes.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ernestine Hall, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mrs. Ernestine Hall, 90, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio transitioned peacefully to her heavenly mansion on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at the Avalon Health and Rehabilitation Center in Newnan, Georgia We celebrate the beautiful life of Ernestine Hall with hearts full of love and gratitude, her spirit touched everyone she met. Mrs. Hall was born August 21, 1934 in Asheville, North Carolina to Ernest and Mable Toland. She spent most of her life in Youngstown, Ohio and later moved to Atlanta where she enjoyed her golden years. Find obituaries from your high school She was a devoted mother to her children (Marlene, Denise (John) ,Thomas, Jr., Pamela (Tony), Stan, Tonie, step-daughters, Sepheia and Indeia), special daughters (Vickie, Gail, and Pam); a proud grandmother of the following,(Cory, Ashley, Joshua, Keshia, Lamont, Marquita, Monica, Monique, Sterling, Asia, Aamira, Tahirah, Nnenia, Saleemah, Nura, and Nafia); a cherished great-grandmother, auntie, and friend to many, including a special friend in Rodgers. She had a special gift for making each person feel like the center of her world. Whether you were across the kitchen table or across the country, she remembered the little things, a favorite dish, a childhood story, a personal victory, she made sure you felt deeply seen and loved. Ernestine moved to the Youngstown area in 1950 and became a charter member of the New Vision Baptist Church. She was employed for 25 years as an operating room technician and surgical technician, retiring in 1991. She also worked as a school bus aide at Leonard Kirk, always sharing her natural warmth and care with everything she did. It was in her roles as matriarch, friend, and guiding light that she truly shined. While at New Vision, she served on the Deaconess Board, member and past president of the Senior Usher Board, assistant treasurer of the church, as well as member and treasurer of the Women's Mission. She also worked with the Mahoning County Transportation Department for seven years, retiring in 1998. Ernestine enjoyed crocheting, working on the 'Big Book' word search puzzles, and was a lover of gospel music. Her kitchen was filled with love, flavor, and impromptu cooking lessons Her garden bloomed with care; and her faith never wavered. She often said, 'Don't worry about it, pray about it and let God do His work.' She was the life of every party. If Ms. Ernestine wasn't feeding you, she was surely dancing, smiling, and lifting others up. Her remedies could fix any ailment, and her presence was a balm to the soul. When you were with her, you felt like 'Grandma's baby,' no matter your age. To know her was to know unconditional love, deep faith, and a joy that radiated from her very being. If her life had a soundtrack, it would be 'Grandma's Hands' – tender, strong, and full of grace. Ernestine will be remembered as a woman who loved God and her family above all else. Her legacy lives on in every recipe passed down, every prayer spoken, and every dance shared in her memory. Ernestine Hall was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband of 56 years (Thomas Cellar 'TC' Hall). Their laughter, dancing, and travels were the heartbeat of their enduring love story. She was also preceded by her two sisters (Johnnie Mae Jackson and Mozella Toland-Vinson) and grandsons (Terrance and Shon Rankin). Arrangements are being handled by L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernestine Hall, please visit our floral store. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
