Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1918

Tonight's special guest is Adrian Hooper from Lexington, Kentucky, sexually abused for 2 years starting at age 12. He was one of many children abused in a span of over 50 years at the Fessenden School in West Newton, MA. “I can only describe it as the most frightening thing I've ever been through. Not just the sexual abuse but the physical, emotional, school-sanctioned bullying and the fear that I lived through every day I spent there.” Unable to tell his parents, Adrian eventually ran away from the school after one assault by his dorm master and this led to his father removing him from school. Now 67 years old, Adrian says his 2 years of abuse, ".. plagued me all my life. The shame and self-loathing has crippled my ability to have the confidence to succeed and many ventures." For years he struggled with PTSD, addiction, and incarceration. While trying many types of treatment, Adrian says, "The only thing that has been helpful is the fact that I am undergoing MDMA treatment for trauma and PTSD." This is currently in FDA approved phase III clinical trials. Adrian continues, “I did a lot of research before I did it. I am so excited the FDA is on board with its legal use by specialized professionals.” Adrian now works to help others with addictions and is involved in the Harm Reduction Movement. He is the co-founder of The Chooper's Foundation, a non-profit that provides addiction treatment and information. Adrian is also fighting with other Fessenden School abuse survivors continuing to seek justice. “We will not give up, we will not rest. We have over a dozen witnesses that have come forward.”