TAYLOR HOOTON FOUNDATION
The prevalence of Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs) among adolescents is alarming. Research indicates that over 1.5 million young people have confessed to the use of anabolic steroids. The average age for first-time use is around 15.
The Taylor Hooton Foundation was established in 2004 by the family of Taylor Hooton, a talented young baseball player whose life tragically ended due to steroid abuse. Don Hooton, Taylor’s father and the foundation’s President, reflects that he now recognizes the subtle signs of steroid use in his son, signs that he was previously unaware of. Studies reveal that 85% of high school students have never discussed the risks associated with steroid use with an adult.
The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness among teenagers, parents, educators, and coaches regarding the dangers of APEDs. They advocate for parents to be informed and engage in open conversations with their children about these serious issues. Their educational initiative, Hoot’s Chalk Talk, is offered to schools, universities, and various organizations. Spencer Chaiken, a sophomore at Hebron High School, expressed the impact of the program, stating, “The risk of taking steroids is not worth any athletic accomplishment. It’s not worth it just to be good at high school sports.”
Even more troubling is the fact that nearly half of those who use steroids are not involved in sports; they are teenagers striving for an athletic appearance. These individuals are commonly referred to as “mirror athletes.”
The inaugural All-Star Gala, themed One Glamorous Night, will benefit the Taylor Hooton Foundation and is scheduled for March 28, 2015. Additional details about this event can be found at taylorhooton.org or www.Rodrigosaffiliates.com.
At just 17 years old, Taylor Hooton took his own life in 2003. His parents, Don and Gwen Hooton, attribute his death to depression induced by steroid use. The year prior, he maintained a 3.8 GPA, was full of life, had a wide circle of friends, and excelled as a star pitcher on the Plano West High School JV baseball team.
