Photo credit: WireImage | Gia Allemand attends the Farm Sanctuary 25th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan. (May 14, 2011)
NBA player Ryan Anderson, boyfriend of the late "Bachelor" contestant Gia Allemand, has spoken publicly about her for the first time since her suicide in August.
"Every day is a challenge," the New Orleans Pelicans forward told reporters Monday during a media day at the team's practice facility in Metairie, La. "It helps to be here. My family's with me. To be here with my teammates really helps a lot, but it's a roller coaster."
Anderson, 25, called 911 upon discovering Allemand, a former Manorville resident, unconscious at her New Orleans home following her suicide attempt on Aug. 12. She remained hospitalized in critical condition until Aug. 14, when life support was withdrawn. She was 29.
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Anderson said his religious faith was helping him through his grief, as was the routine of work. "Each step of the way has sort of been like that. Even just coming here. I'm really glad Coach [Monty Williams] asked me to come back when he did. I've been here for a few weeks now and just being around the guys and being back in the gym, just having some sort of routine back, it helps a little bit."
Anderson tearfully spoke of a foundation he and Allemand's family are creating. "We have a huge plan to do something great in her name that's going to help a lot of people," he said. "We live in a society now where . . . you've got to be a certain [kind of] person or you're not going to be accepted. And every single person . . . has something special about them."
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