Darryl Rodgers

My oldest son, Chase, died in a drug-impaired wreck in 2014 after struggling with addiction for a year and a half. The driver took her own life seven months later by setting herself on fire.

Chase was an Eagle Scout and attended college on a football scholarship. He was a good kid, raised in a loving home, who made some bad choices that ultimately led to his death.

In 2015, I published a book about Chase's life titled, "A Life Half Lived". In 2016, I released a short film (23- min) about Chase, titled, "Deadly Influences. We interviewed some of Chase's friends and family to make the film. The film is emotionally impactful. When speaking to teenage audiences, they often view the film before I speak. I am great at telling the story without the film and often I see members of the audience get visibly upset.

My audience makes an emotional connection with Chase through the story and feel like they know him. They are devastated when they hear the rest of the story.

I leave audiences on a high note by giving them hope through offering strategies for successful living.