NHLer Rich Clune takes a shot at paying it forward

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July 30, 2013 - TORONTO - Nashville Predators left winger Rich Clune has become a fan favourite down south. But it's his struggles off the ice that have earned him the title of role model, and not just for the next generation of young athletes.Clune's road to the NHL was anything but an easy ride. After being drafted he fought with an addiction problem that almost ended his career. But Clune found the courage to seek help, and now shares his story in hopes of encouraging others."I was in a really dark place over three years ago. I felt alone, unhappy and unhealthy," remembers Clune . "Treatment gave me and my family the chance to recover together. I hope that sharing our story will inspire others to find the peace of mind I found in recovery."On Wed. July 24th, Rich, along with his mother Anne Marie Clune, both of whom received Peter Armstrong Community Awards of Excellence , attended Renascent Canada's Recovery Shot Golf Tournament at Angus Glen Golf Course in Markham, Ont. Together they spoke openly to attendees about their battle, and how Family Recovery helped their whole family deal with the impacts of addiction. The Clune's ended by presenting Renascent with a donation of $12,319 to help families in need receive treatment so they too can begin on their road to recovery."The Clune's have been outstanding advocates of family recovery and we are thankful to have them involved," said Dr. Patrick Smith, CEO of Renascent. "Rich changes the face of addiction and shows that the disease doesn't discriminate, but can affect anyone."The Recovery Shot Golf Tournament is held annually by Renascent, a Toronto-based addiction treatment centre. Renascent is where Rich and his family sought treatment to deal with the impacts of addiction on their family. This year, the golf tournament succeeded in raising over $240,000. Over the past 18 years, the tournament has raised over $1.9 million to ensure no one is denied treatment due to an inability to pay.Renascent offers gender-specific, 12 step based addiction treatment in four centres across the GTA and Durham Region. Renascent's programs for individuals, families and workplaces support recovery and healing for everyone impacted by the disease of addiction. Since 1970, more than 40,000 people have participated in residential treatment at Renascent.