The Boxer

The Boxer is a man in his 50's who spent several years in Philadelphia State Hospital. He had been an alcoholic for many years.

When he left the hospital, he went back to his old neighborhood to the only buddies he knew - his drinking buddies. Soon he spent every day with them getting intoxicated. We at Friends Connection persisted in our effort to help him learn about alternatives to drinking.

After a year of engaging him in various activities, we learned that this man was once a boxing coach in his neighborhood gym and had a passion for this sport. We started going to the boxing gym with him and attending boxing matches. He was thrilled to be back in the ring.

Over the years, through his addiction and mental illness, he had given up and forgotten about the flame that once burned within, his passion for boxing. Once that flame was re-ignited he became motivated to stay sober. Before long, he was going to 12 Step meetings and spending every afternoon training and coaching under-privileged children in the art and sport of boxing.

At present, six years later, he is living a happy sober life with the woman he loves.