Posted - September 28, 2010

Sister from ‘The Blind Side’ to speak at Eureka College

Collins Tuohy will discuss family’s inspiring story Nov. 9

The young woman whose family’s story was chronicled in the 2009 hit movie “The Blind Side” will speak at Eureka College Nov. 9. Collins Tuohy will discuss how her family became acquainted with and eventually adopted homeless teen Michael Oher at 7:30 p.m. in the Cerf Center. Cost is $5. For reservations, call (309) 467-6420.

Tuohy will discuss how she and Oher, who now plays with the National Football League Baltimore Ravens, became fellow students, friends and then adoptive siblings. As chronicled in the movie, their relationship began in 2002 when Tuohy saw Oher in the stairway of Briarcrest Christian School, Memphis, and had to back to the top of the stairs to let the 6-foot 4-inch,
340-pound sophomore pass.

Tuohy will discuss how she helped Oher adjust to school and his new life with the Tuohy family. When she was Briarcrest homecoming queen, Oher was her escort, and they shared a bond through their athletic pursuits. She was the Tennessee state champion in pole vault and he earned all-state honors in discus and basketball.

Tuohy received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Mississippi, where she was president of both the Student Alumni Council and the Student Spirit Committee, an officer of Kappa Delta sorority and a varsity cheerleader, supporting Oher and other Ole Miss football players.

Tuohy accompanied Oher when he was the first-round pick for the Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft.    

Tuohy contributed to “In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving” by her parents, Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy. The book was released by Henry Holt and Company in July. Tuohy is on the board of directors of Making It Happen, the Tuohy family foundation to assist underserved youth.           

The movie “The Blind Side” set a record for the top opening weekend for a sports film and earned $260 million at the box office. The movie is based in part on Michael Lewis’ 2006 New York Times best-seller “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game.”

-30-

Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318