Danny O’Connor knows that one of the biggest dangers to young people is secrecy and guardedness. He used to be that way. Now, he helps young people cope by being as open as he can.
“Nobody knows behind the scenes, the struggles and coping and secrets I kept from the world,” he said.
As a public speaker, he tries to give kids someone to relate to, and will be telling his story at the Peterborough Community Center next week.
The kids really are the most important to him, and to Be the Change, the task force hosting the event.
“There are so many sad kids out there that fall through the cracks,” he said. “I jut want to give them someone to relate to.”
Danny O, as his fans call him, was a member of the 2008 Olympic team as an alternate. In the ring, he fought as a light welterweight Out of the ring, he fought as an addict and survivor.
Throughout his life, he has experienced trauma, eating disorders, substance use, alcohol abuse and panic attacks. Now, he is helping others by telling his story.
O’Connor is visiting Peterborough to speak for the second time. He addressed students at ConVal High School in April.
“He really impressed not only the students, but the teachers and members of our task force,” Lee Ann Clark, a spokesperson for the hospital and its Be the Change program, said.
She said the biggest reason he is a valuable speaker is because kids can relate to him.
“It’s OK if you have anxiety or if you have depression, and if you abuse substances, that isn’t the right way to go,” she said, summarizing his message.
Be the Change is hosting O’Connor at the Community Center on Elm Street on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to everyone.