For the past several years, we have proudly attended The Experience, Strength and Hope Awards; which honors addiction survivors. And 2019 marks a very special occasion for this event, as ESH (as we like to put it) celebrates its 10th anniversary. To commemorate that milestone, the February 28 gala will be honoring Fuller House star Jodie Sweetin; who successfully overcame a drug and alcohol dependency.
Each year this event receives increased media attention, as it rightly should. Now, thanks in part to Jodie’s notoriety, ESH was highlighted in the pages of The Hollywood Reporter. The lengthy article touched upon Sweetin’s ongoing advocacy and awareness initiatives, which included a bestselling book entitled unSweetined: A Memoir.
Published in 2009, the inspiring read touched upon her ordeals with drinking, smoking and eventually crystal meth (all throughout her time on the original Full House series). Of course, it did come with a happy ending as Jodie beat her addictive demons and now works to help other young people in similar situations.
ESH founder Leonard Buschel was interviewed for The Reporter, praising Sweetin’s strength and honesty.
“For the past 10 years, it’s been very gratifying honoring these remarkable individuals who’ve taken the time and have had the fortitude to bare their souls writing such compelling memoirs,” Buschel told the mag. “We mark this 10th anniversary honoring Jodie Sweetin, who went from adored child star, to struggling addict, then rising phoenix-like to become an author, devoted mother and full time TV and film actress. I am proud to be part of the same 12-step fellowship that has helped so many become and stay clean and sober.”
And there will be plenty of other recovery advocates celebrating with Sweetin at the upcoming event. Actor Ed Begley Jr. will take on hosting duties and legendary actress Joanna Cassidy will be receiving a special award. Several notable sobriety icons are expected to attend as well, including Mackenzie Phillips, Buzz Aldrin, Pat O’Brien, Joe Walsh, Danny Trejo and Robert Downey Jr.
Jodie, herself, also made a point to promote the evening, telling her 2 million Instagram followers what a night like this means to her.
Tickets are still available for the 2019 Experience, Strength & Hope Awards (which will be held at L.A.’s Skirball Center). Click here to learn more about this inspiring event!
