A Morning of Courage, Compassion, and Community: Reflections on “A Journey of Hope and Healing” with Darryl Sydor and Family

Photo Credits: Blue Sky Consulting

On May 26, 2025, Day One Society hosted a heartfelt breakfast event at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Kamloops, welcoming over 200 attendees to a morning of truth-telling, connection, and hope. The special event, ‘A Journey of Hope and Healing with the Sydors’, featured retired NHL pro Darryl Sydor and his wife, Shar, who shared their family’s deeply personal experience with addiction, recovery, and resilience.

For many in the room, the event was more than a presentation, it was a shared moment of vulnerability and strength. Darryl, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, and Shar, spoke openly about the challenges they’ve faced, including Darryl’s struggles with alcohol addiction and the impact it had on their four sons. Their message was clear: recovery is possible, and no one should walk that path alone.

Reflecting on the event, Siân Lewis, Executive Director of Day One Society, described the morning as a meaningful success.

“There was a real sense of connection to the presenters and to the topic of addiction. The audience was deeply invested in what was being shared, and there was a true sense of community in the room, we were all there because we care about mental health, addiction, and the well-being of our community.”

That sense of community was felt throughout the venue. Attendees leaned in to listen, offered quiet nods of support, and shared tears, laughter, and moments of reflection. As Lewis noted, the impact extended far beyond the event itself.

“There has been an incredibly positive response,” she shared. “Audience members thanked the Sydor family for their honesty. Some asked for more information about addiction, others sought help for loved ones, and many offered their support in raising awareness around this issue.”

Photo: L>R: Darryl Sydor, Shar and Danalee Baker; Credits: Blue Sky Consulting.

Photo: Siân Lewis; Credits: Blue Sky Consulting

One of the most powerful elements of the event was hearing how addiction touched every member of the Sydor family differently. It offered a rare and honest look at how substance use affects not just the individual, but also their families, friends, and communities.

“Addiction is still very misunderstood and often moralized,” said Lewis. “I hope people walked away with more understanding and compassion. If more people recognize addiction as a complex disease rather than a personal failure, we can build a more supportive and healing community.”

Proceeds from the event supported Day One Society’s Out of the Ashes Bursary, which helps individuals in recovery pursue educational and personal goals. The event was a reminder that behind every statistic is a family and that stories like the Sydors’ can shift perceptions, reduce stigma, and create space for hope.

Day One Society extends heartfelt thanks to the Sydor family for their bravery and to every attendee who showed up with open hearts and minds. It is through events like this that real change begins.