Our wonderful, talented, funny son Ryan passed away on May 12, 2016. Ryan was 27 and held a mechanical engineering degree. He was someone who wasn't afraid to fight for what he wanted, but opiates were a competitor Ryan didn't know how to battle. Hopefully this epidemic will spur new scientific research to advance the treatments available for addiction.

Sterling, MA. USA

My family recently suffered a great loss. My cousin Tyler was battling a heroin addiction that ultimately took his life. However, that is not what comes to mind when I think of Tyler. He had such a big heart and while he was clean he wanted nothing more than to help others also suffering with addiction. He spoke with those he knew who were struggling, went to every NA meeting he could and was truly trying to get his life back on track. Most importantly he talked about wanting to visit schools and talk to kids about his story. He didn't want to see anyone fall into drugs the way he did. So I choose to remember Tyler as the person he was, rather than as the addiction he had. I think it is really important to remember that addicts are human beings, family members and friends. So if you know someone struggling, please offer them support and understanding. Sometimes that means tough love, but it is love nonetheless.

This is in memory of my son “Leo” who left us on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. He was my first born and my only son. We miss him every minute of every day. My daughter always called him her protector now she says he is still her protector, he just protects her different now. I am sad that his sons will not know what a wonderful, caring and amazing man their DAD is. Our life has changed so much since he has left. I always told him that he was the light of my life and my heart hurts so much every day. I know that that we will be together again someday, so until then I will continue on with a broken heart

RIP to the Father of my child who passed away from an overdose on January 24, 2016. He was only 29 yrs old, two months shy of his 30rd birthday. Lewis Arnold Hamilton II.

Today marks 4 years since Max’s death.

Posted 30/08/2018

Joe and Jeff...we miss you everyday.

Atlanta

Lee Pickens, a warm loving son lost his battle on 6-12-15. He was a deep soul, with a big heart and always a smile on his face. He loved his family with all his heart and had a deep faith in God. I always knew he was not for this earth as he held deep hurts and couldn't understand injustices.  He will be forever loved and missed. His life did matter. ♡♡♡

For my beautiful son Colin who passed on 2/23/2017 from a fentanyl overdose. Col, you were an amazing person who freely gave your love to everyone you held close. You could light up any room with your smile and win any debate with your never ending knowledge of everything. Your bear hugs were the stuff legends are made of. I will forever be fiercely proud of you and love you with everything I have.

Moscow/Pennsylvania, USA

Ryan: 13 Feb 1983 - 17 March 2014. Age 31 from Gretna, Louisiana (west bank of New Orleans)

Gabriel Stephan Rice 9/30/81-4/12/13
This boy! Oh my, how we loved him so!! Hilarious. Witty. Singer. Musician. But most importantly my son. Did you know he liked his ears rubbed? And his nicknane was "Charlie Brown"? So needless to say, even as a grown man, I rubbed his ears. Mom's can do stuff like that. And every time he was headed out the door, and after a quick ear rub, I'd wave him off and say "You be a good boy Charlie Brown." Gabriel always smilled that crooked smile at me, would wave, and say "I love you mom." He never lost his compassion or love for others. So giving in his nature. But he lost his life to an overdose. I'll never get over his death. But believe 100% I get him back on the other side of eternity. So, for now, I grieve with hope.

Louisville

Matt Chupella, May 18, 1983 to July 31, 2015. 32 years old. We miss your smile, your hugs, your laughs and your compassion. I don't know how to do life without you. You are always in our hearts. I'm sorry no one talked about addiction 10 years ago. I hope we can stop this epidemic. I love you forever my son. Bethlehem, Pa USA

In memory of my son, Justin Anthony Caputo-Lilla. He died 38 days shy of his 25th birthday on July 29, 2014 as a result of receiving fentanyl. He was murdered. He didn't expect to die. His brain just told him he needed one last dose of heroin. It's a risky life. There's no such thing as using in moderation, as he thought. It doesn't work that way. As his mother, I am forever broken. No day is a good day when you have buried your child. Justin  left behind his step-father and  two brothers who are now left to memorialize him in death. We are all left to wonder what more we could have done.

In memory of my son ryan m Snyder  3/7/84----10/20/14

Sadly missed, happily remembered. It didn't have to happen, but addiction isn't something we don't all overcome! We miss you: Sharon Carisse Wayne Grexton Bruce Davis Jimmy Blij

r.i.p. johnny thunders, stayley,weiland and a certain woman i know that has a serious problem and that i tried my best to helpbecause i loved her more than anything and you know who u are misty but couldnt get through to her and she thinks im the enemy but she was wrong and anyone else struggling because ive wasted about 25 of my 38 yrs with drugs

Sylacauga

I miss my cousin, best friend, Darci Smith everyday.  She became free of the suffering and lost her battle on February 5th, 2013.  

My son, Michael Robert, fought bravely his struggles with drugs for many years. We nearly lost him at age 21. He was in the hospital and rehab for PT and mental therapy for months but he made it back to us. He went diligently to many NA meetings etc.

But at age 28 on August 19, 2014 we lost him. Not a day goes by that I do not think about him and cry and cry and cry. I cry so much and so long and so hard that I cry myself out He was a brilliant young man with a B.S. from Hofstra as well as a Master's degree and he was working on his Ph.D. also.
And he was a stat athlete. I thought he had it all. But I can recall one day when he turned to me and said:"Dad I have to stay clean." I never saw him as addicted but he was. Was it my divorce? Was it his mom's drinking problems? What was it?
I guess we will never really know what it was and it bothers me every day.
My other son Brian (no drugs) is depressed (as am I) but we struggle on. Brian is on track to be a pharmacist. But you see one lesson I have learned in all this is that SMARTS does mean much when it comes to drug addiction.
You can NEVER replace a human. Was he a lost soul? One person said at the wake "He was troubled." I guess he was.
I really think he never got over his mom's drinking etc.

Long Island

Debbie, Nola, Helga, Rikki, Ronnie, Lionel, Titch, John, Marcus, Bradley , Lisa, Big Dave, Noel, 'A', Danny, Sissy, Kerry, Tammy
Each of you were in a chapter of my journey, each of you bring a smile as I wipe away the tears. I will never forget you and always be thankful that at some point we were in each others lives. Thank you all for the memories
Lisa xxxx

Preston

My beautiful baby sister Samantha's life was taken way to soon! Only 31yrs old! She struggled for years with the disease of addiction and on Oct 30,2016 she overdosed on heroin laced with fentynal! She left us Nov.3,2016. She left behind a 5 yr old and 5 siblings! Samantha I know you are no longer suffering but it's so hard to live my life without my Best Friend, my sister! I miss you every single day! We will never let your daughter forget you!! Rest in Paradise Sis Love ❤️ Paula

Merritt Island, Fla

My beloved Patrick, And then, it happens. One of those unimaginable things happens. And, it happens to you  ! For me, that unimaginable thing came to me through a phone call. It was a Saturday afternoon on July 25th 2015. It was my daughters voice. She told me that her brother my son had died. And then, she told him that it was a heroin overdose. I lost my only son . I am devastated beyond belief ! Anyone who ever met my son Patrick was taken instantly by his heartfelt smile and quick sense of humor. Patrick was kind and he loved his family. He brought life everywhere he went. Patrick made a lot of good choices in life, and he made some very bad ones as well. A day came that Patrick was introduced to a very dark path which brings us to where we are today. Patrick struggled for years against and with his addiction . Countless times through clear eyes he wanted to so desperately stop, but the strength of the addiction like for most, was too big of a burden to bare, and on July 25, 2015 the addiction defeated Patrick in a most devastating way. Know for the rest of my life is just unimaginable, unbelievable,unbearable. Patrick was my son but most importantly he was my friend. Please treat all your family members with respect! Patrick only wanted respect he had enough same. I miss you Buffy, love Mom Please keep the fight going ! Don't be ashamed to ask for help ! It's to late for my son !! But it's not to late to get help scream  for  help. our children deserve better.

In memory of my son, Jeffrey Aaron Stein (7/1/92 - 7/24/2012). I love you my angel. You're never forgotten. Nothing Gold Can Stay ~Robert Frost Natures first green is gold Her hardest hue to hold Her early leafs a flower Then leaf subsides to leaf So Eden sank to grief Dawn goes down to day Nothing gold can stay

Everytime u c me post this I've had to add someone to the list .. I wrote this song in dedication to all those we have lost to heroin/addiction overdose .. And to the families and loved ones may this bring you comfort...   R.I.P Donna Castrucci (mom) R.I.P Laura Mullen (girlfriend) R.I.P Christine Hessel (cousin) R.I.P Mark Mercurio (friend) R.I.P Erik Justice (friend) R.I.P Shane Cullen (friend) R.I.P Lauren Fredrick (friend) R.I.P Brian Lang (friend) R.I.P Scott Woods (friend) R.I.P Jason Thomas (friend) R.I.P Shannon Bessey  (friend) R.I.P Amanda Maxwell (friend) R.I.P Scott Little (friend) R.I.P Kristen King (friend) R.I.P Scot Philbert (friend) R.I.P Kevin Doan (friend) R.I.P Justin Price (friend) R.I.P Mark Marksberry (friend) R.I.P Stephen Diehl (friend) R.I.P Danny Caudill (friend) R.I.P Brandon Alcorn (friend) R.I.P Timmy Conners (friend) R.I.P Rick Weaver (friend) R.I.P Dustin Pittard (friend) R.I.P Ericka Griffin (friend) R.I.P Cyndie Mattingly (friend) R.I.P Luther Combs (friend) R.I.P Nychol Jefferies (friend) R.I.P Clint Smith (friend) R.I.P Lamonte Hubbard (friend) R.I.P Lora Woodward (friend) R.I.P Cory Boehm (friend) R.I.P Nelson Gonzalez (friend) R.I.P Erica Workman (friend) R.I.P Tyler McCabe (friend) R.I.P Carrie Schille (friend) R.I.P Brandy Mae Lunsford (friend) R.I.P Kaitlynn Marshall (friend) R.I.P Dave Mack (friend) R.I.P Leah Biggs (friend) R.I.P Craig Harrison (friend) R.I.P Andy Clemmons (friend) R.I.P Jimmy Hoyt (friend) R.I.P Kyla Williams (friend) R.I.P Seth Saylor (friend) R.I.P Stephanie Osterman (friend)   Check out "Tears in HEAVEN" by The Cincinnati KID http://www.reverbnation.com/open_graph/song/20178745   Www.soundcloud.com/thenatikid/keep-on   Feel free to SHARE Download it for FREE

Daddy, I wish you could be with me this year, and be there in the audience when I walk across the stage to get my diploma.. I hope I make you proud every day. I know you didn't mean for it to turn out this way, but you are in a better place now. I miss you more every day. Love always, Tiffany

Sic itur ad astra‎, Boy...you are stars. Daniel, 1969 - 1995.

Dear Monique, forever loved and remembered. Love always, Greg.

My beautiful son Maxwell, you are missed every single second of the day. We were so lucky to have you in our lives for your short 19 years. So many wonderful memories, always so inquisitive, wanting to know everything. Baseball games, fishing, skiing, walks in the forest, pushing you in the swing for hours, chicken nuggets and my world famous brownies. Life will never be the same without you that's for sure. Frito-Bandito follows me everywhere. I'm happy you are free from addiction finally. Rest In Peace my sweet boy. Until we meet again, muma

Miami fl

My one and only little brother Randy.... He was taken by this awful disease on 05-11-2012 Heroin overdose 24 years old my family never knew he even used getting the call that morning left me in shock I told the paramedic he has the wrong person! No! Not Randy! I was screaming I repeated myself over and over please check the ID on him again! needles!! What are you saying!!?? He was alone in a friends apartment off campus he was suppose to go to a class that morning.....he was to graduate the next month in June it has left my family shattered and constantly looking for answers we will never find, no understanding he was an A+ student at the University of Washington studying psychology he had family in Seattle and Family in California who talked and seen him regularly none of us seen the signs how did we miss this? As his oldest sister my life has been forever changed it breaks my heart every time I read about another's loved one who's life has been taken by an overdose I feel and know your pain... Rest in Peace my sweet Brother I love and miss you Randy

Szymku I miss you so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and don't cry missing you. How I wish I could go back and do more. I try really hard to be a mum your sister deserves to have but it is so hard when my heart is filled with pain. I try to pretend during the day that I am fine but it's becoming harder and harder. I miss you and love you so much. Soon it will be your birthday. You would've turned 29. Love you. Mum

I lost my mother in october of 2004 to a overdose, i was 13 at the time and didnt really realize what was happening. Always to myself that i would never do heroin...until there was a guy that was using heroin and i followed. My drug use went on for a few years on and off, until my 2nd time incarcerated facing 5 years and nothing to loose i got blessed with an 18 month sentence where my life began to change. I just recently picked up my 18 month keytag and got a job helping other addicts. I know it may be hard and you may not know how to pick yourself up but it gets better...just hold on! If i can do it you can!

Baltimore MD

Zachary, We miss you!  Sorry that all of this had to happen.  I wish we could have done more.  Be good up there.  We love you, and not a day goes by that I don't think of something about you.  Peace, glad you found it!

For Brian Patrick Wuerdeman: Gorgeous blue eyes, long curly eyelashes, a hug that penetrated right to the heart... These are just 3 of the too many to name things that I miss about you, Brian... I know your spirit is with me and I'm grateful, but I long for the day when we can be together in complete understanding... I miss you my beautiful, funny, little Irishman...🍀 I love you with all of my heart, son.... Mom ❤

Posted 30/08/2018

Daddy, I can't believe you're gone. I know how hard you fought your addiction your entire life. I am so proud of you for your 24 years alcohol free. The last 7 months that we got to spend together when you were clean were the best months of my life. I'm so glad you got to dance with me at my wedding. I will never know why you relapsed and will always wonder if there was anything I could have done. I will pray every day that you know how much I love you. Please always be with me.

October 2015 we lost an amazing man to his addiction. My daughter lost her father and I lost one of my best friends. He was such a very talented musician and intelligent man. He had the most gentle heart of anyone I've ever met. His name was Christopher and we miss him everyday. Please know he was a tremendous person who had an addiction, not just some "junkie" as some might think. He was a loving man, father, brother, uncle, and his mother's baby. I love you forever Chris.

RI / USA

In memory of my beautiful daughter, Amber Pearl M., who died from an accidental fentanyl overdose on January 23, 2017. She was a light in a very dark world, who is missed each and every day by all of her family and friends but especially her mama, daddy, her baby brother Chase, the love of her life Bryan, her JoJo, Gabby, Kylee, Raquel and her very special Memere. We love you baby girl more than all of the stars in the sky. Portland/Maine/USA

Ardy I miss you already..I will continue to fight for you and now to fight for others who took/take the same journey you took..Rest easy big sisters..forever in my ❤

To my dearly loved cousin Brice Smith born March 25 1991 passed away March 23 2014 from a drug overdose. He still had his whole life in front of him. He passed away only days before his 23rd birthday. Brice was such a bright smart person everyone would say he was part computer. Talking about him in past tense doesn’t get easier. It still doesn’t feel real. I miss him every day and cherish every memory I have. He will always be in my heart.

“Unable are the Loved to die, for Love is Immortality.” We Love and Miss You Everday, Michael Scrimale

Posted 08/08/2018

To my dear precious son, Ryan Taylor Moore, you've been gone less than two weeks today. I was on the way to take you back to rehab and you got out of my car and said you couldn't put your life on on hold and wanted to live a normal life. Well precious baby, you are now living more than a normal life, you are in the arms of Jesus. You were kind, big hearted, huge smile and such a tender mess. I prayed and prayed for God to deliver you and give you peace. He did, just not my plan. Your precious Madi and Amanda will always forever love you, as will your MJ and PD. We fought the hardest battle together right until the end, but heroin, like any other demon gets its stronghold and there are just no other words to say, other than I loved you, I'll love you forever, and I know I went down fighting harder than ever. I'll always wonder what more I could have done, but in the end, you are at peace and no longer fighting a fight that was already won at Calvary. You were my special needs kid and I wouldn't trade one second that I spent trying to love you and save you. May you rest in peace in Jesus loving arms. In memory of my son, Ryan Taylor Moore, April 3, 1993 - August 11, 2017........

Raleigh, NC

To my dearest Rafi. I miss you more everyday. Not a day goes by that I don't think if you. Sometimes tears, sometimes a giggle. October 20th 2017 is still all a blur, may always be, but I'm moving forward babe. One day at a time. One step at a time some days. But, I promise to live every day with you in my heart. Remember..I will find you... Lol. See you when I get there. Love you, your Cindy loo...

Posted 20/07/2018

Dennis, Dave, Jamie, Maggie, Vincent,Clifford, Stevie B and so many more whose names I cannot remember....beautiful, misunderstood and let down. From the days before Naloxone was available to people who use drugs, sadly not available enough as yet in many areas

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. ???

To my beautiful little sister Rebecca S. Meadows (32) of West Virginia. I will forever miss you and all of the great and happy times we shared until you left us, your two older sisters, Saprina and Crystal. You are a part of us that we miss so dearly. Living with your drug addiction was such torment to you and all of your family. God took you for a reason we will never understand. It is so hard living without you. We love you so much. You will always be with us because we three sisters were a whole together. I love you Becky. Always, always, always.

Brady lost his battle with addiction almost 8 weeks ago. My life will never be the same. He will be forever missed and loved by so many. Peace and Love to all the families suffering.   #GoneToSoon #Forever24 @AddictToAngel

I will forever miss you! Love you Sara Kathryn.

Over a month ago the world lost one of the deepest, kindest, thoughtful and powerful hearts I've ever had the privilege to know. Jessica ann was in my life from the second grade until our 21st year. I've never had a relationship where we just clicked like that. I couldnt put it into words if i wanted to but our energies were meant to find each other. She saved my life, taught me so many things including how to let my guard down with people and just risk it all for love, and just made me a better person from the light that came from her spirit. She loved hard, fought harder and in all honesty just felt way too much for one person. She felt the feelings of everyone around her even if they didnt deserve her empathy or care, she would do anything for anyone. I still dont want to believe it because i feel like i lost my lungs with her and i start to suffocate but i want to tell the world about her and keep her love going. I owe her more than she ever would have let me repay her for and god i love her more than even she could have understood. With all of that beauty in her she didnt see any of it and i think she couldnt take it anymore. Ill regret ever letting you go for the rest of my life jessica.

Ohio

My dear Erin was murdered by this hideous devil drug heroin on June 23, 1997. She fought hard but the heroin had her pinned against the wall and would not let her go. Now you are in heaven Erin and you are surrounded by people who had fought just like you. I miss you more each day and will never give up my fight to educate young people about the Devil. I love you. Mom

Teddy "bear" Storey you will never be forgotten Mayfield, Ohio

My son Seth, 22, died of an overdose on Jan 31, 2015.  He had been sober since Sept. 2014, and during that time I had never seen him happier.  He relapsed two days before he died because anxiety was once again getting the best of him.  He was so special to our family - such a unique person, and loved by so many.  My son was one of the many who had mental health issues (he would seem normal to an outsider however) and struggled so much with anxiety.  It became a merry-go-round of use to elminate anxiety, then get sober, then feel good for awhile, then the anxiety comes back, and use again.  I wish there was money redirected from the justice system for research on combating addition.  Yes there are self help groups, and yes there is rehab and other counseling available.  However a diagnosed addict struggles when using, and when sober. Science needs to step it up and figure out what causes addiction, and find a cure.

I lost my brother last October through a drugs overdose. It's been three months now but I still can't get over that he's not here anymore. Me and my family are trying to come to terms with losing him. We try to comfort each other at times.

To the love of my life. You were always special to me and I loved you very very much. You will always be in my heart forever. May you be looking down from up there. You are not in pain anymore.

Posted 28/07/2018