Second Chances: The Kerry Gladue Story

Kerry has written his book, ‘Second Chances: The Kerry Gladue Story,’ about his journey from trauma to transformation to help others.

“Kerry Gladue’s personal and family history is as raw and painful as it gets. From it, he has found transformation and yes, redemption— an inspiring affirmation that we all deserve and can have second chances and new chances, so long as we live.”
– Gabor Mate, M.D., Author, ‘In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction’

Kerry Gladue is a recovering crystal meth addict who was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Kerry is also a second generation Residential School survivor and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. After many years of abuse and neglect, he turned to drugs to numb out the feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. After witnessing his Mother struggle through her own issues of abuse from her Residential School upbringing, he believed that his dreams meant nothing and that life was about surviving.

After numerous suicide attempts and involvement with criminal activity to support his addiction, Kerry woke up in Calgary Remand Centre. It was in that prison cell that Kerry made a decision that would not only change the course of his life but impact many others in a positive way through his journey.

“I had wanted a new life but was so sick from all the drugs I was taking. I woke up in a jail cell, realizing that everything I had worked for in my life was now gone. My kids hated me, I was embarrassed and ashamed from all the crimes I was doing just to feed my habit and to feel normal,” remembers Kerry.

Kerry is now employed as Intake Coordinator/Counsellor for Simon House Recovery Centre and serves on the Board of Directors for Canadian Centre for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (cc4ms).

Kerry’s lifelong experiences have been shared with the hope of inspiring others and promoting healing. Kerry’s Book ‘Second Chances’ takes the reader through his story of trauma and addiction and then on his journey of healing and recovery. A portion of book proceeds goes to subsidize program delivery for Kerry to reach others through his story of hope AND to support programs for whole families: women, children and men through Simon House Recovery Centre and Alcove Recovery for Women.

Pre-orders of the book have been tremendous, and the first order was just delivered to a correctional institute for their book club.

For interviews, speaking and book signings, please contact: Kelly Schuler, BRAVE Communications, kelly@bravecommunications.ca Ph: 403-680-7307