In memory of my nephew, Ryan. "Tell me, did you make it to the milky way?" Love you forever and ever...you will never be forgotten.

MIchael Bradford Ragone died at 30 years old on January 17,2016 of a heroin/Fentanyl overdose. He was ashamed of his disease and may have asked for help .... and been more open to it .. if the stigma around it was not so great.

Charlotte NC

My beautiful daughter struggled with the disease of addiction. Heroin captured her and kept calling her back for more until fentanyl was given in its place. Cause of death was acute fentanyl. Miss her beautiful face every moment of every day. Her smile her voice etched in my heart broken in so many pieces. May she fly high with the angels. In loving memory beautiful daughter. Stoneham MA. 02180

Gregory, we miss you so very much! Life has not been the same without you. Love Mom, Dad, David, & Courtney

Hydes, Md

Americ,
They say the good die young but this means just the special chosen ones. It wasn't your time but now you will feel better and be fine. It still hurts everyday but I know you found another way. I stay clean for myself but also knowing that this disease took you helps. I cry for you all the time but I always see your signs. I will always love you baby, and the fact that your gone drives me crazy but your chains from addiction are now broken but my pain does not go unspoken. Forever in my heart , my love and it was always true love from the start. Rest in piece Americ

Dundalk

The more I wish to fight back, more tears well up at the thought of another life lost. I especially empathize with parents who've lost their children. I cannot begin to imagine the torment. These children however, are my friends.... All within 4 years above and below my current age, 22. My heart and soul collapses for the lives and families of my dear friends Justin Roth, Josesh Cravens, Chloe Lucas, David Igo, Aaron Massey, and our most recent loss in mu group of friends, Justin Hensley. These are all young men who wanted to make it out alive..but didnt know any other way.... Some of our children don't stick around for the overdose. Sometimes the black hole of sadness takes them first. My love and condolences to the families of my lost brothers, Ethan Honnerker and Gus Pettigrew; who took their life in in desperation when addiction wasn't enough to mask the pain.

Mikhaila Throop could've lived had the , but wasnt used enough on 5/7/2012. The detective told me "she's just another addict " ,,a stigma that stops many from providing help to our young children getting caught up in this younger generation disease killing hundreds each year. Did they go after her 18 yr old friend who provided the opana, xanex, crack cocaine, and other benzos n opiates found in her system,,,no. The provider/seller went off to provide more friends in the next years, helping to kill another school age teen from overdose. O became "aware" of this disease, contacting all I could, post all the time about awareness and Narcan. I got trained "underground" because at the time the FDA would rather approve more drugs for big Pharma to keep making $$$ to help kill our kids, vs life saving Narcan or drug assistance programs for our lower income, less fortunate children. Misha has never left my mind, I'm a different person now, my kids will never be the same without her in our lives snd until my last breath is taken,,I'll scream MIKHAILA's name all day, every year making it known that this is an epidemic, one that needs to be learned n trained to stop n help anyone that struggles with drug addiction. You CANT escape our new reality folks, you WILL know someone who will die because our society sadly is blind n we need to teach them otherwise.
I love you Mish,, I will follow you into the dark,,until he speaks your name bb. Xoxo

brea

Ashley, I think of you everyday! You are greatly missed by your family, especially your baby girl! Love you always!

I lost my 17 year old daughter on January 20, 2017 to a herion overdose. I am devastated ?? I want to do all I can to help other families before it's too late. Hackettstown NJ USA

Rest easy Billy Jo you r loved and missed so much. 11-24-74 to 4-4-14? Rest easy Steve Reinhardt ? R.i.p to everyone lost from the disease of addiction.

Dylan A Berman 8/5/87 - 11/21/13.   Sending my beloved son, my only child healing love and light!  I love you Dylan❣

Often we felt like an anorexic with 5 mouths, and I'm sorry life isn't fair.
I'm sorry you were alone in the end.
Truly, you were remarkable.

Michigan

Rob, I lost u last week and I am having a really hard time understanding it all. I hate it, I feel angry, but most I feel a loss that is abundant and clear, u will no longer say, "HEY sis". I miss u bro, walk well in the next life, luv u,Shannon

To my sister, who died at the young age of 23 from an accidental heroin overdose. It was the 'just one more' that killed you. People need to understand that this is real and it is happening to countless people all over the world. Don't waste your life. Create something beautiful instead.

RIP..Mario Delgrosso,Mario Coduto, Jason Grisser, Chris Barr, Jamie Sheridan.

In remembrance of our son, Kevin O'Brien, who died on 12/01/16 of an overdose. He is forever loved. Forever missed.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ

I lost my 29-year-old son to an accidental heroin overdose on August 15, 2010. He struggled against his addiction, searching for resources that just weren't there. It is my most fervent wish that no other mother go through this and I hope in some way I can work to prevent someone else from experiencing the anguish and loss of that special love between mother and son.

To: Theo Manesis 
We love & miss you so much 
We know that God had other plans for you
 Thinking of you every day
Your Girls - Renee & Sherie xxx

My brother died 5/19/14 from accidental overdose. He was only 25. He was such a good person. That was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I miss him so much. I pray that our loss is someone elses wake up call.

Mario DeCecco-Rodriguez 4/21/93-1/9/16 Dearest Mario, Even though I didn't know you, it seems like I did with what you've left behind. YOUR death I wish I could prevent like while watching a movie, to be able to press rewind. Your mother hides her hurt inside and cries for you each day I know you didn't mean to hurt her and if you could, you'd take it all away. I'm sorry that you're gone, I'd just like to say... Your life had more meaning than the drug that took you away. Please help your mother to remember all the good times that you've shared, all the laughs, kisses, hugs, and things you said... Keep them in her heart, her life, and in her head. Let her know it's alright to live her life each day, And perhaps be less focused on the horrible thing that took you away. Let her laugh, to love, and to live, And most of all, herself to forgive. She did all she could to save you, but in the end she couldn't. Each day she creates a hell to live, believes there might have been something, so this decision that you made to take this drug that stole your life, you wouldn't. I know you to be a skater who likes blue and red, And that you are cheering in in heaven for every punch Mayweather landed on McGregor's head. Your body was filled with tattoos and you were used to winning and never lose. It sucks this choice you made has ended your life like this, But just know there are so many you've touched and ALL of them will miss... They wish you would have stayed. The way you laughed and loved, the music you played, the cologne you wore, and so much you will be missed for... Finally, I pray to make this heroin STOP stealing even MORE!!! Buffalo, New York

My son, Travis, died of an overdose on July 28, 2015.  He was only 23.  He had been sober 3 months at the time of his death.  I know that he fought so hard, and he was a beautiful soul trapped in the hell of addiction.  I miss him every day and so wish I could tell him how much I love him and that I know he tried.  Rest in peace sweet boy!

My wonderful daughter, my friend, sleeping in my bed. But you were not asleep. How do I go on without you, 44 years old and every day a blessing, I just never thought it would turn into a reality. How do I deal with this piece of me you have taken with you. I remember the first time you moved inside me. This time I couldn't get you to move. How I loved you, You didn't want to go, we had just bought all those flowers for your garden. As hard as it was every day you kept at it, Addiction gripped you so tightly that it killed you in the end. I hope it isn't the end for you. I so hope you get to realise your potential, we told you so many times you could do whatever you wanted with that bright,.witty, funny, aware, intelligent mind you had. And you were so beautiful. The longer it is the harder it is, I miss you more after speaking to you so often for so many years. I love you Heidi, as you well knew and not even your death will ever change that. You were my special daughter, Be Happy

I lost my handsome, intelligent son Michael due to his disease of addiction on February 5, 2016. He was 33 yrs old soon to be 34. The 2nd anniversary of his death is in 5 days. No one should have to bury their child! There wasn't anywhere he could turn to for the professional help he needed. Rehabs and Clinics are only in the business of making money not saving lives. Life was cruel to my beloved son. I have another son, David who joined the Navy to get away from this epiepidemic! He served in 2 foreign wars. When he came home he struggled with his addiction once again. He was found to be 100% disabled after fighting for his country and the day after his brother overdosed he received a retroactive disability check in the amount of $149,000! He always wonders if he had gotten that check a day sooner would his brother still be alive? He wanted to pay for his brother to travel since he was incarcerated most of his life. Michael did an interview on a CT tv station...entitled Street Talk with Michael Righini..tourture in the State Prison. The guards tourtured and abused my son. He was in solitary confinement for 2 yrs and previously he was locked down for 23-24 hrs a day for a year in a half. He was not a violent offender! 13 yrs later he was still having night terrors of guards tourturing him. The last summer of his life he spent with me on Cape Cod in Mass and to hear and see what they did to my son was heartbreaking they destroyed his life he was a tourtured soul after enduring what he did he didn't have a chance to live a clean happy life. He used to numb his pain. My son David will be clean for a year on the 2nd anniversary of his brother's death. My 24 year old daughter was addicted to oxci 30s and eventually she turned to heroin! I have guardianship of her 2 1/2 yr old son. Thankfully I had my grandson when she was arrested otherwise he would be in State care! She is now serving time in prison which is better than burying another child. She's been clean for 5 mths the first time in 10 years. I'm grateful that I have my beautiful grandson safe with me and out of that subcultural lifestyle and my children are finally ready to face life without having to numb their emotional pain! South Yarmouth MA USA

It is very sad of the loss of life we have had because of drug overdose.  I have personally know three people this year that have lost their lives to these horrible drugs. Ages vary from 17 to 47.  I am with everyone who can possibly help.  May those that have left us rest in peace.  Let there be no more!!

Thanking God today that Josh is alive and recovering from an OD and stroke, still with us to work to overcome this devastating addiction. Prayers for all those beautiful souls that have been lost and for those still fighting to overcome. Mom

My 25 year old son died May 14, 2014.  Three days after Mothers Day.  Eric was a brilliant kid.  He had grown up very happy and always smiling.  A happy child who liked video games, anything electronic, and was well liked at school.  In fact he would win student of the month for two years in a row.  Eric never had a sip of soda.  Yet as he got older, after high school in which he got the highest MCAS and SAT scores in his class, he seemed to change.  He was happy he was excepted in a University studying Hospitality Management, hoping one day to own his own hotel.  Entering college he suddenly was getting depressed and I didn't know why.  He was the type of kid who would keep things to himself because he didn't want me to feel bad.  So he took it upon himself to go to a doctor for help.  After many kinds of anti depressants later, they were not working.  They were changing him, making him worse.  As a result, he turned to street drugs.  A kind soul who would put others before him, he knew he needed help.  Many rehabs later, even out of state three times to get into a different atmosphere, he was fine for a while.  Getting back to school but he called me and said he could no longer grasp school after three years of trying.  at the end of his life, he really wanted help.  But heroin can't help you cope, it just pretends too.  He never used a needle, but snorted it so in his mind he wasn't an addict.  He was a great kid never in trouble and he loved me very much and I loved him so.  On May 13 just two days after Mothers Day I found him slumped over in his room.  My life was forever changed.  It has been two years and I have what's called " complicated grief." A feeling you are stuck in time, that I have to live with I couldn't save him, that I too don't want to go on.  But I have another son.  I remember our last Mothers Day.  We had a great time.  I am so so sad I will never get over this.  My son, my best friend I tried everything to help him.

My 26-year-old son, Kyle Fisher-Hertz, died in September of 2016, leaving behind a 2-year-old daughter still crying for her dada, a bereft girlfriend, shattered sisters, parents and other relatives, as well as countless heartbroken friends  Kyle died alone in a hotel bathroom, where he was trying to get in one more shot before being asked to leave; the toxicology report did not show Fentanyl in his system -- heroin can be deadly all on its own.

Prior to becoming an addict, Kyle was a brilliant, popular student who had majored in creative writing and enrolled in a neurobiology program; he was a City Year teacher elected to give his class-graduation speech; he was a rock-climbing enthusiast who climbed Mt. Ranier; and most importantly, he was a kind, generous, compassionate young man who sought out volunteer opportunities, gave thoughtfully personalized gifts to family members, and devised delightfully inventive ways to express his tremendous romanticism and love of life.

From early childhood until he was 16 and started using drugs, Kyle performed stand-up comedy on several television shows and in multiple comedy clubs in New York City. Kyle was a gifted writer and a poet -- as well as a pizza-delivery guy, a coffee shop barrista, a waiter, a tutor, a non-profit researcher, and a rental-car agent with stellar sales skills; even after he became an addict, he won accolades as every company's best employee -- right up until the time he relapsed, betrayed his employers' and family's trust, and let everyone, most especially himself, down -- again.

Once he crossed the line and began using hard drugs (starting with crack when he was 21 and then moving on to heroin and meth after his new rehab friends gave him a taste), he was never able to find his way back to believing in his own future, despite repeatedly working a 12-step program and completing multiple inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. Kyle eventually recognized he had a brain disease and mental-health disorder but often failed to follow-through with the medical treatments that were helping him stay clean. He had been so smart, successful, and blessed throughout his life, that he believed he could outsmart hard drugs and then the recommended treatment protocols, but he couldn't.  He thought he could beat his medical issues without medicine, but he couldn't. He thought he could try addictive drugs that destroyed others' lives and not become addicted nor destroy his own life, but he couldn't. Once he was an addict, he tore pieces of his own flesh out of his once-beautiful face while on meth and betrayed all his own values, friends, and family members in order to get drugs.  Kyle thought one day he would get clean and write about his experiences, but instead he got high over and over until he wrote less and less often, and until drugs became his only subject. Even after many of his friends had died, Kyle thought he was smart enough that he could definitely avoid giving himself an accidentally lethal dose -- but he wasn't and he couldn't, and now he is dead.

Bit by bit, all of us who loved him were forced to watch him destroy his own golden, promising life until finally he took with him the hope and joy of all of us who are crushed by his awful and permanent absence. Despite years of arrests, accidents, injuries, and disappointments, we had never stopped hoping.  Kyle was still young, lucky and hard-working -- so when he died he was healthy and strong from six months of recovery; his facial scars had healed; he had once again become a caring son, attentive grandson, loving brother, sweet boyfriend, and, for the first time, a devoted and adored father; he had also mercifully retained his quick wit, razor-sharp sense of humor and keen intelligence; white privilege had kept him out of jail, and he still could have done anything -- absolutely anything -- with his life. He had many supportive friends; everyone in his family loved him desperately, forgave him everything, and prayed for him to stay well. Instead, he despaired of ever being able to succeed as a functioning adult free of the terrible cravings that consumed him -- even though anti-depressants and opioid-blocking medicine had helped free him of those cravings in the past. So when Medicaid wouldn't cover the medicine that had helped him stay clean and optimistic before (as Medicaid does not in 25 out of 50 states), Kyle relapsed, overdosed and died.

Despite the tragically commonplace way his life ended, Kyle was once truly special; he had a brilliance about him that everyone who knew him could see when he was a boy.  Through therapy, he’d realized that his own gifts made him feel pressured and afraid to be anything short of extraordinary -- which led him to doubt himself to such a degree that in the end he died the most pathetically ordinary way, like 20,000 other overdosed addicts will die this year. Before he died, Kyle hoped he would one day be well enough to help hundreds of other addicts find their way; he hoped to set a great example.  Instead, we can only hope now that his life may serve as a cautionary tale.

Please, if you are an addict reading this, do not give up; the help you need exists, even if you have tried many things and haven't found the thing that will work yet.  Do not believe that you have failed if any one thing -- meetings, medicine, therapy, prayer -- doesn't save you; if the one thing isn't working, keep adding things until you are living the full, rewarding life you and your loved ones deserve you to live.  I know Kyle would want that for as many addicts as possible, just as we wanted it for him.  Please, let me know someday that hearing this made a difference for you, helped you hang on another day, motivated you to move to a state that covered the medicine you needed to stay alive, kept you going until slowly you came to believe you could do it. I have to believe this can happen for some of you.  Please tell me if it can and has. More importantly, please tell another addict.  My world is so dark right now without Kyle’s bright light; I am counting on you to lead me back to hope.

On Oct 13th 2017 I got a call from a woman I didn't know. She said my daughter Heather had just died. That the EMTs was still there. An her fiance came home from work an found her like that I thought I'd already suffered the worse loss with the death of my parents. I was wrong. My heart didn't just break an huge hole formed an it can never be filled. She was 29. So much life left to live. She was so beautiful. I still can't believe she's not here. Heather your foreverse my Angel. I love you Talbott

I lost my son to a heroin overdose just 9 months ago, David Windsor "Thaddeus" Batchleder July 3, 1991-November 20, 2013, age 22. Rest easy Pooh, we miss you so much and we love you more than all the world can hold.

Remembering my son Sam Mignoli... Forever#23...I Love You and Miss You! So thankful for your rescue but our hearts are broken without you💔 9/8/92-6/20/16 Long Beach, NY USA

Austin Boyles.....You are missed, but you are rejoicing in heaven, addiction free.

I have been struggling with a heroin addiction for 6 years. I have 4 beautiful and intelligent children. I want to be clean and sober and not struggle with addiction everyday more than anything else I could ever have. Please pray for me to get better and have a better life for me my family my kids and everyone else around me. Thank you for your prayers and I pray that all of my friends whom I loved that have perished at a sad young age are with God in a better happy place now and that they would never have to shed a tear again. In Jesus's name i pray, amen. With love Amy 04/24/2018 12:39pm

I lost my daughter around thanksgiving time in 2006. It was one of the worse days of my life. She was only 25 yrs old and overdosed on methadone and benzodiazepines. My heart has never fully healed from the loss.

Saskatchewan, Canada

Eddie Gutierrez, More than 20+ years have passed and you are thought of each and every day. It’s So Unfair! I wish you were here with us. I miss you and you’re NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN. Love, your little sister Rachel.

My son was a wonderful young man, full of life and energy that was  contagious. When he walked in a room it lit up, he brought  happiness and excitability to life. Everyone loved him and he loved everyone, he was sweet, kind, and loving. And this terrible disease called addiction took over his life. It's been 3 years since he left this world, I miss him so much. I am lucky to have had him, if only for 24 years of his life. He was my life, I'm so lost without him. All I have is all our memories, pictures and some videos to console me. I know one day, we will be together. Until then, RIP my son Ralph, oxox

I lost the love of my life on April 17, 2 days before his 29th birthday. The day I met him my life changed. He had the best personality, the best laugh, and made everyone feel like his friend. He showed me what true love is and how great life could be. My heart hurts every day without him. Rene April 19, 1988 - April 17, 2016

Nicky O, Reece S, Paul M , always remembered x

I would like to post a tribute to a friend named Steve Taylor. He overdosed this weekend, but he was brought back to life. Tomorrow, the doctors will pull all life support and allow him to pass. I would also like to post a tribute to John Erdek, my very dear friend. Your son is amazing, he looks so much like you it's hard to even look at Sam without almost crying. He's wonderful and you'd be so proud. We miss you. For anyone struggling, don't give up. I have lost too many people to drug overdose. I know you can make it through - I am living proof you can have your life back. Just don't quit, because life truly is precious.

In loving memory of Brendan McDonald 9/6/1985-8/10/2013.

We miss you our dear Melissa who passed away on Aug.31,2009. Love, Your family, and friends.

This is a tribute to my beautiful daught Daria...I miss you everyday. She died on 9/17/09 after 27 hrs. on life support. She was clean for 4 mos. I miss so much but I miss your crazy dancing and your tender heart. You had the softest skin ever and I miss touching your hand. I love you forever. Mom

To commemorate the memory of Shane, death by overdose.

Sydney NSW Australia

My father passed away of a heroin overdose on September 24, 2013. He was only 46 years old. Not a day goes by when I don't think of you. I know we had a rocky relationship and had a falling out, but I still always loved you and still do. I know your at peace now and can finally rest which brings me comfort. Love always your son, Brian

Tony Jones, Kym Richards, Todd Thomas, Rikki Marie, Jake Holt, and Kinsley Wilson. Rest in Peace my angels ? I will always remember you and made this film in your honor. For the heartbreak that never heals, some of us live with daily. Love - Compassion - Recovery- Hope ❤️   www.MoonlightintheDarkness.com

We lost my baby sister Jenna  on February 29 2016. She had a short but hard 8 month battle with heroin and in that time overdosed twice (the second time taking her life) and was in treatment for 100 days. She took what she thought was heroin but turned out to be only fentanyl and posted a post about living life on facebook and went to sleep and never woke up.  Overdose deaths are so hard to deal with because you want to help that person so badly but you cant. She was such a talented sweet compassionate person.  She just couldnt deal with life and the obstacles that it threw at her. Mental health is a big part of addiction.  There needs to be more help in that area to help the addiction part.  So many people loved her and she was a positive part of so many peoples lives and she has a 2 year old son. But she lived in a dark hole she could not climb out of..  We miss her every day and it still doesnt seem real.  Feels like a nightmare. I know she is at peace now and free from her illness. I will miss her until we meet again. ???

Oh my Anthony, I am lost for words. Ur battle won u. I tried so hard to save u from yourself. I lost my life partner Anthony Russell, for 26 years, on July 20, 2017. He left me to live his own life, with his own rules, a new crowd of friends. The bad dirty things he done to me that I may never understand but I have been told that’s what addiction does. It controls the addict and they hurt their loved ones cuz of it. I’m struggling still with grief from our separation cuz u were in my life for such a long time. It’s like I lost my right arm. I lost my best friend, my life partner. Then the griief of u dying. Hurts so much to know that I fought so hard to help u and no matter how hard I fought I still couldn’t save u from yourself.its like the devil came in and tore u from our lives. The life u were living wasn’t living. I hope wherever u are u finally found peace and no stress with yourself. I can’t even fathom the lose yet. I just thought I would do this to help me with it built up inside of me to get it off my chest. I loved u when we started and I loved u for all those years. I will always love u. I always have, and I always will. U and I have a lot of Good memories in our years. I will not ever forget you. I have u still in our 2 daughters which I thankful for. They r having a very hard time without their dad. Until we meet again and I do hope we do. Bless ur soul. Love and miss u Anthony. I can’t believe ur really gone. Kent county, nb, canada

I lost my baby Brother on June 17, 2016 at the age of 23 to a heroin overdose.  My heart is broken and my life is forever changed.  My thoughts and prayers go out to those addicted, the families of those addicted, and those who have suffered a lose.  I have cried everyday for the last 39 days and I wouldn't wish this on anyone!!!  I can only hope to learn how to help others who are struggling.  RIP Kenny Boy, forever family, always in our hearts♥

I'm on to it all, I will never give up on the truth and seeking justice for you, I will search and I will find the people, the idiots who did this to you, and I will bring them to account. Yes I'm mad, mad angry!! My goal is justice, because there just isn't any! I hope I get sick, don't have to take my own life, but it isn't a life without you my heart and soul are broken, I know how you felt, but didn't mean to die. In the wrong company, or without any company, people in this life will kill you.

September 7, 2014 will be forever burned into my memory.   The phone call, the frantic drive to the emergency room, and the look on your father's face are constantly replayed over an over again.  You were a beautiful soul, intelligent, funny, full of life and promise...and only 23 years old.  I knew you were struggling with heroin because you told me.  I offered to care for you, provide shelter, find treatment, I would have done anything if I could.  The last time I saw you, you told me you were clean and would be ok.  I knew you were lying.  I wish I had confronted you, could have protected you, saved you, told you one more time how much I loved you.  On the outside you tried to portray that you were happy, invincible, strong, and powerful. I saw that you were actually tortured, depressed, angry with yourself, ashamed, and hopeless.  I tried to tell you that you were loved, valued, full of potential, and this could be fixed.  I still had hope for you.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of you.  I see signs of you everywhere...I hope that you are peaceful and happy where ever you have gone.  I continue to reach out to your friends. I call it planting seeds of love and hope.  Maybe some will grow, please water them if you can.  So much addiction out there...I love you more than you will ever know...Auntie

Lost a beautiful, funny, outgoing father of two little girls, a brother, uncle, son, and friend to many, many people. Before he became a shell of himself, everyone referred to him as the mayor because he talked to everyone, and everyone loved him. He had a passion for plants, landscaping, trees and making people laugh. Because he worked in landscaping, he ultimately ended up with back pain and was prescribed pain killers, which inevitably turned into heroin. We lost our Shayne Ryan on 11/18/2017. Bowie, MD