Don Hooton’s Mission: Safeguarding Youth from Steroid Abuse
by Kristin Ciccarelli
When he’s not traveling to raise awareness about the risks associated with Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs), Don Hooton takes pleasure in his brief twenty-foot journey from his kitchen to his home office, coffee in hand. As the founder of the Taylor Hooton Foundation (THF), named in memory of his son who tragically passed away in 2003 at the age of 17 due to steroid use, Don believes that his most valuable hours are spent outside the office.
Following Taylor’s death, both Don and his wife Gwen were taken aback by the prevalence of steroid use among their son’s peers. “If we were in the dark, other parents likely were too,” he reflects. His journey began with local outreach, and just six weeks after their loss, he spoke to over 600 students at Plano West High School. What started as a cautionary message from a grieving father to Taylor’s friends evolved into a broader movement. A reporter from the Dallas Morning News who attended that talk wrote an article, which led to coverage in the New York Times and eventually caught the attention of 60 Minutes. “It dawned on me that this issue extended far beyond North Texas. We had stepped into an information void on a national scale,” he states.
In the years since, Don, along with THF, has worked tirelessly, participating in three Congressional hearings and organizing various fundraising events, including an annual golf tournament. They have also partnered with Major League Baseball to educate youth nationwide. Two years ago, THF introduced the “All Me League,” which invites professional baseball players to pledge to “clean” play, thereby offering positive examples for aspiring athletes. Within just one year, the program successfully included players from all 30 MLB teams.
However, the issue of APEDs is not confined to sports; in an era focused on appearances, children are increasingly motivated to alter their looks through dangerous means. “Our greatest hurdle has been getting people to understand the magnitude of the issue,” Don comments. “Trust me, it exists, and it’s happening in your child’s school.”
With the median age for anabolic steroid usage resting at 15, kids start taking unregulated dietary supplements—like protein shakes and energy drinks—at an alarming average age of just 10 ½. Don’s comprehensive research reveals that around 20-25% of over-the-counter supplements are tainted with anabolic steroids. “Without testing, you really can’t be sure of what’s in those products,” he emphasizes. “Kids must be aware of what they are consuming.”
After thirteen years of relentless efforts, Don Hooton views this as only the beginning. THF is currently collaborating with the American Academy of Pediatrics and leading medical specialists to produce standardized training materials that will help doctors accurately understand and identify steroid use among youth. This initiative is gearing up for a national conference slated for spring 2017, which will require funding in the range of $200-$300 million. While Don admits these figures are hard for him to grasp, he remarks, “Our aim is to continue providing research and developing solutions to the APED dilemma. Achieving this goal correctly could be our most significant accomplishment.”
For his exceptional advocacy regarding youth steroid usage and his unwavering determination following the loss of his son, we are honored to present Don Hooton with our Very Inspiring Parent (VIP) Award.
