ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler has opened up about a deeply personal tragedy from her past: the loss of both her parents to opioid overdoses within hours of each other in 2003. At the time, Sisler was a college student and had no idea about her parents’ struggles with addiction. Her mother, Lesley, was found unresponsive on their front porch after ingesting fentanyl, and her father, George, died shortly after. The police found multiple prescription bottles and evidence of drug misuse in their home. Initially, Sisler struggled to accept the reality of their deaths, telling others they died from natural causes. However, after years of grappling with the truth, she began to embrace their story in hopes of raising awareness about opioid addiction.
Sisler has since become a vocal advocate against opioid abuse, speaking at schools and conferences to share her parents’ story. Her journey of unveiling the truth has been cathartic, allowing her to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Through her advocacy, Sisler hopes to shed light on the pervasive issue of prescription drug addiction and help others avoid the same fate. Her story is detailed in her book, “Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction,” where she underscores the importance of openness and understanding in dealing with addiction. For more details, visit New York Post.
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