Chris Knight Fun-Raiser and PSA Hit the Spot!Many thanks to Chris Knight, Sandra Merritt, Marian and Bruce Bryant and everyone else involved in the evening at Ninfa’s. We hope that you will begin seeing the ADDA-SR public service announcement on local television stations. Please see the article on page 2 for more information.
To twitch, or not to twitch--this is the question Christopher Knight is asking himself as he contemplates a brave move back into the acting game. Christopher Knight, better known as “Peter”, the middle son on The Brady Bunch, was in Houston recently for something new and exciting for ADDA-SR. He agreed to lend his name and experience with ADD to ADDA-SR and film a public service announcement for the purpose of education and awareness about ADD, the families of those affected, and the support group as a whole. In an effort to raise funds for the production of this PSA, ADDA-SR held a fundraising dinner in which Chris was the guest of honor. The event was a huge success, both in fun and in funds raised. Mama Ninfa’s was the setting, fajitas were the main course, and Christopher Knight was the dessert. The mood was relaxed, the ambience was soothing, and the rare opportunity to just chat with one another was such a pleasure. But credit for most of the pleasure must be given to our guest of honor, Christopher Knight, who was delightfully entertaining from the get-go. He opened with anecdotes of what it was like to be diagnosed with ADD at such a late time in his life, and what a challenge it was to be one of the stars of a hit TV show during some of his most difficult years. Growing up he knew he was different. Throughout most of his years, he struggled with obstacles not unlike most other people with the disorder, but it wasn’t until he was diagnosed as he approached the age of 40 that he finally felt a freedom. Freedom from feeling different, freedom to understand and to embrace himself--differences and all--from the stigma that was following him. Chris spoke of some interesting observations he has made when watching reruns. “If you go back and watch the show, look for anytime the kids come down the stairs,” said Chris, “Who’s first?” He smiled knowingly as the room broke out into laughter. “If you ever see me in a shot of two people or even a group, watch me.” Chris demonstrated leaning forward as he spoke, “Even if I’m standing still, I’m moving.” Chris went on to say, “I’m doing this. As if I’m on a ski jump. And I’m twitching.” He described the twitch as if he was trying to hold back the kinetic energy. “It was energy and activity that happened to be projected differently. I’m glad today I don’t have to spend all that extra energy--mental and physical--just to try to appear normal. And it’s because of the drugs and the help that I got, that makes it possible.” Christopher went on to say that he hopes everyone can find their way to the best place for them, and said that this is the reason that he was here. Following the entertaining anecdotes and questions that Christopher answered, he graciously visited with attendees and signed autographs. Many people thanked him for taking the time to come out and speak about a problem that is so prevalent and discussed, but also so misunderstood. Chris feels it is his duty to help others reach out and try to overcome or seek treatment or education for a condition that affects so many. He called his diagnosis, “my gift”, because of the relief he felt once he was able to find a “reason” behind his unexplained differences. And because of his new understanding of why he is the way he is, he has decided to pursue acting again, “to see if I still twitch.” Early the following morning, Christopher Knight appeared on a local live morning show for Fox 26. During the interview, he briefly spoke of the reason he was in town, and about his diagnosis of ADD, his involvement with ADDA-SR and how he hopes to do as much as he can to increase and improve awareness of the disorder and the stigma that comes with such a lack of education and information. As an aside, he was introduced with a tease about an employee at the station who relayed the comment to one of the anchors that “he’s so cute!” In true charismatic form, as soon as the interview was over, Chris asked, “Where’s Shannon?” The producer escorted Chris to Shannon’s desk, where he surprised her with a hug and a thank you for being so helpful to him. As many people at the studio loved him as those the previous night. Later in the afternoon, Chris made it to the Channel 13 local ABC studio affiliate where he was to film the PSA. Bruce Bryant, husband of our current president, Marian Bryant, was able to procure the studio time at ABC for this event. The PSA’s were shot, and being the true professional that he is, Chris was able to finish them early and was soon on his way back to the airport. The PSA’s are being edited and will soon be distributed to as many television affiliates as possible for airing across our region. Charming, charismatic, compassionate and dedicated to the cause are adjectives not adequately describing Christopher Knight. But speak to any of the attendees at the fundraiser event, and I’m sure they would agree. Christopher Knight is not only a friend to ADDA-SR, he is a positive role model. He proves that to have ADD doesn’t mean you can’t be successful or overcome obstacles. You can take your uniqueness and use it to your advantage. Through education and awareness, you can do anything you set out to do. Watch for Christopher on some upcoming television appearances, such as the Travel Channel’s TV Roadtrip, and of course, The Brady Bunch, forever in syndication. And when you watch Christopher, don’t forget to watch and see if he still twitches!
Duplication of the Chris Knight PSA is a very important part of the project but each copy is approximately $25 plus mailing costs. A person dealing with ADHD may experience a very difficult time before learning where to turn for help. Remember when you or your family member needed support and information? Help us reach out to others. Support Groups -- Fun and EducationalIf you haven’t been to a chapter meeting in your area you are missing out! Give the leader a call and check the date for great speakers, support and current information. If there is not a chapter in your area please consider offering this valuable resource to your community. It’s easy to start and we will help along the way.
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