Having been sexually abused by a boxing coach as a teen, and not knowing who to trust or tell, Roland Vandal found solace in drugs and alcohol. His battle with addiction, and his unwillingness to speak of his demons, led to failed relationships, bad choices, crime, trouble with the law, and PTSD. After a night of partying with friends in 2001, Roland found himself alone in a Winnipeg hotel and attempted suicide. When he woke, plagued by guilt and shame at what he'd done, he knew he had hit bottom. He dialled the phone and sought help

Clean and sober for over a decade, Roland is now living a life he never dreamed possible. Filled with moments of humour, sorrow, despair, and triumph over adversity, Off the Ropes tells his story in the raw, from the abuse, to his addictions, to his successes in business and as a motivational speaker and advocate.

Roland Vandal is a former boxer and business owner. His battle with addiction and his ongoing struggle with PTSD has led him to become a crusader for mental health awareness and a dedicated advocate to end bullying and abuse.A much sought-after motivational speaker, he has performed over 700 speaking engagements. He has been the subject of numerous documentaries, including The Wounded Healer and Filling the Void. He was selected as one of "Manitoba's Top 40 Leaders" by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, one of "Manitoba's Finest" by the Kidney Foundation's, one of the "Top Most Fascinating People in Manitoba" by the Metro newspaper, and one of the "Top 100 Speakers and Community Leaders in Canada and the US." He was given the "Champion Award" by TJ's Gift Foundation, and the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award. Roland lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Roland Vandal's profile page

Carlene Rummery has been actively involved in Manitoba's writing and publishing community since 1996, and is currently the executive editor of Prairie Books NOW. She lives in Winnipeg with her husband and daughter.

Carlene Rummery's profile page

• Runner-up, Beatrice Mosionier Aboriginal Writer of the Year Award

"…both heartbreaking and gripping. The language is strong–there are plenty of F-bombs–and graphic, but it fits perfectly considering the material. There's really no way to sugarcoat a self-destructive lifestyle full off suicide attempts, sexual abuse and drug and alcohol addiction."