![\"TrueBlueSpotlight\"](\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/TrueBlueSpotlight.jpg\")
Georgia Southern University alumnus Steve Pulley (\u201813) describes himself as a fitness enthusiast. He\u2019s qualified for the Boston Marathon twice and is an avid cyclist. Pulley, 26, also holds a degree in exercise science and will soon pursue his doctor of physical therapy through the Medical University of South Carolina. That\u2019s what we call True Blue!<\/p>\n
What people never expect to hear is that Pulley once had a debilitating alcohol and drug problem. On March 23, to show his appreciation to Georgia Southern\u2019s Center for Addiction Recovery, as well as mark the sixth anniversary of his sobriety, he set out by bike on a journey from San Diego, California, to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, to raise awareness about addiction and how it can affect anyone at any time.\u00a0With a goal of raising $57,000 over a 57-day trip, Pulley\u2019s \u201cRide4Recovery\u201d saw him travel more than 3,000 miles to help spread a positive message about the Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to destigmatize what it means to be in recovery. I am sure I don\u2019t fit the \u2018mold\u2019 of what people may think of when they hear the words \u2018alcoholic\u2019 or \u2018drug addict,\u2019\u201d Pulley said. “Having benefitted so much from the Center, I chose them to be the beneficiary. They operate primarily on private donations, and I hope to gain national attention to the success it has brought in my life and so many others. There is a huge need for services provided by the Center, and financially supporting their mission is one way I can give back.” – Crissie Elrick<\/em><\/p>\n