Tracey 20 April 2016, you lost your battle to heroin. I did everything I could for the years I was keeping you alive. I simply couldn't do it anymore, you were 44 yrs old, I babysat you constantly. Somedays I'm angry, pissed and sad. Your son calls me Mom. He has for years, but I told him never to do it in front of you because its disrespectful, regardless that you abandon him for the first 17 yrs of his life. I guess today I'm angry, can everyone tell Butterfly

One December 23, 2015 our world changed forever...We now see the world through a veil of tears....you see, our son, our only child died from a Heroin overdose. Jason was 29 and just starting his life...he was an electrician for the Board of Education for 8 years-- he love playing x-box, fishing, reading, listening to music, but most of all he loved us, his mom and dad and told us so daily....he asked for help over and over but was only granted snippets of hope as each in-patient stay was only 2 weeks...he came back clean, but not prepared, not ready to fight this demon on his own...the half-way homes he was sent to were useless....no accountability, no supervision needed for an addict in the battle of his life...financially we could not afford the best, we did everything we could, as co-dependent as any parents could be...changes need to be made for this epidemic to just slow down....when he passed, 125 per DAY were dying, now it is at 175 per DAY leaving destroyed families behind..please pray for our angles...end the stigma and know that these addicts are our children, our loved ones...battling a disease that is real and taking a generation from us...

You know we have too start taking care of our self a little better,cause these days we don't know jack what they r putting in these drugs nowadays.so please be aware,and be careful.Most of all don't share needles...God Bless Us All.

Zechariah, I know you thought you were just doing a recreational line of Cocaine. You see, there isn't a recreational linen The cocaine was laced with Fentanyl. I am not much of a person to cry Son, but I have cried almost every day for two years now. I see your two beautiful children and I cry. I think of you and I cry. My mission now is to jeep your memory precious. Not allow ignorance to label. Mom❤️ Hobart/ Indiana/ USA

James, You are greatly missed everyday. I struggle with what happened in the last 36 hours of your life. I know that you tried very hard to survive and I know that you came very close to surviving. I don't want to blame or hate anyone, I know that you would tell me that everyone did their best and that they were being the best friends that they could be. I'm working very hard to accept that. I'm so sorry that I didn't spend more time with you everyday that you were here with me. I will spend the rest of my life regretting that and looking forward to seeing you again!

In memory of my 21yr old son John who sadly overdosed February 2014...Forever Young!! So sad to read these tributes from brave mums like myself who tried so hard to protect their sons and daughters

West Dunbartonshire Scotland

I will never forget you my precious son, no matter how long I live. I miss and love you so very much. I will see you when I get there.

Davenport, Iowa U.S.

Szymon,my beautiful son passed away on 12/08/2012 he was only 27. We are grateful for the last few months that you have given us. The talks, the trip, the dinners. We love you so very much . Pain that we are experiencing right now is greater that we could've ever imagined. Your passing have been such a shock as we all thought you were doing great. We had no idea that you relapsed. We miss you so much. It still doesn't seem real that you are gone. Love Mum

To my best friend Katrina Burke I miss you everyday you passed away on my birthday 6/17/15 to heroin I keep you close to my heart n I try to come visit you regularly miss your smile laughter goofiness most of all that big ❤️ Of yours!!! Until we meet again love you babygirl

James, you have been gone since April, 2014. Such a void since your passing. This will be my first Christmas without you since we met. As time goes by, I feel pain in my heart from missing you, but at the same time, I know you are no longer struggling with your own pain of addiction. You are now happy in the presence of Jesus, as well as your loved ones. Because you are now at peace, I can be at peace as well!! Until we meet again, love always and forever, your wife, Lisha

All my love to my darling beautiful daughter Amy Scheele 05/10/77-06/01/15

I'm paying tribute to one of the most beautiful, gentle, kind and loving souls I have ever known. Todd Lescarbeau is and always will be my big brother, my best friend for 40 years, my protector, confedone and so much more! Todd was born on January 3rd, 1970, and one that day the sun rose, and everyday after he lived life to the fullest until the sun set on March 6th, 2012. He was a fun loving, protective and gentle Father, grand father, husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to all that he came in contact with. His addiction began like many others, with prescription drugs due to back problems and back surgeries over most of his life. He was a hard working man with integrity and loyalty to those who he loved and those who loved him. I will never forget the impact he had on this world, as he endured the struggle with his addiction that ultimately claimed his life! Rest In Paradise my beloved brother...Forever 42 ❤️

My baby brother, Nick, passed away on August 10, 2015 at the young age of 25. He fought hard against the disease of addiction for many years. I just want everyone to know how much he fought & how proud I am of him. He is a kind-hearted, funny, loyal person & friend who loved life. He loved his nephew & nieces & they adored him. We love him...I love him & will keep him in my heart forever. Nick- keep talking to me

To my son Ryan who was active in meetings and overdose awareness walks. He died from heroin tainted with fentanyl on June 23, 2017. I and all his family miss him and pray that this epidemic can be eradicated. Ryan you will always by in my heart ❤️ I wish you were one of the survivors of this life stealing disease. Rest in peace my beautiful son. I am proud for the fight you fought but the disease was too strong. It took a beautiful life. Love ❤️ you from mom

Brookhaven PA 19015

We lost our oldest son, Kyle, to an OD. He was only 24. No words can describe the depth of our grief and the sadness in our hearts. Heroine not only took his life, it took a big part of our lives too. All our love couldn't save him. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

June 3, 1993 - Feb 25 2016 Maxwell T. you were an important part of my life, we got into a lot of fights but I did love you and will continue to do so for as long as I live. It's a tragedy you left so soon at the young age of 22. I knew you had demons, I knew you were trying so hard to escape them... I wish I could have saw you one last time. I still dream about you often, i'm either surprised you're still alive or you have turned into an angel and is advising me how to live my life. I think you'd be shocked to where I am now. I know I am. I wanted to save you. You were kind, smart, had so many dreams and interests. It makes me sad thinking about all the things you wanted to achieve, how I feel I failed you. It's not my fault, I know. I couldn't save you, no one couldn't. This was your third overdose and your last. I am still having a hard time dealing with your loss. I hope to see you again. love, Katherine Chicago, IL

My son struggled with addiction for 15 years., Mainly pot and alchol. It was not until prescription drugs became so easy to require that the real problem begin. So easy to go to dr with a back ache solution pain pills. Feeling a little anguish Xanax. After those lost there major kicks on to heroin. He was a functioning addict up to work everyday. Was at the kids ball games etc. On August 7, 2010 he lost his battle to this horrible disease of addiction. He left a wife and three beautiful boys. He is still loved and missed everyday

Foristell,mo

My beloved only child of 24, left this world on August 29, 2015. I never knew the extent of his drug use until 3 weeks prior to his death when he informed me he was a week clean and committed; he remained clean for a total of 4 weeks. He relapsed when his girlfriend blind-sided him with a break up. It wasn't simply a single dose of heroin that killed him - it was a mixture of heroin & Fentanyl, which I'm certain he did not know that was what he was given. He died almost immediately. My final vision of my son was slumped over a toilet in partial rigor....his body hard and cold, his feet red and blue with white spots. I petted those feet and layed my head on his back until the EMS arrived and pulled me off. My screams and anguished sobbing must have been heard all around the neighborhood. Almost 2 years later the kid who gave him the mix finally confessed and is now facing charges of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death. But, where were all those friends who knew and said nothing? They lied to the police in multiple interviews, and they came to my house and I fed them and allowed them to take certain of Max's possessions....why didn't they speak up on his behalf? How could they all have gone to his memorial services and mourned him and written such loving comments - all stating how Max was their guardian and savior; how could they not stand up for him when he stood up for them? If you love someone, speak up and speak out! Don't hide and don't dare think that this is "just another" terrible thing happening in your life! Don't become so used to your friends dying off that you lose sight of the destruction it causes their families, the community, your generation! Adults in the community need to speak up as well - don't tell me months after that you knew my son was using! Heroin and opioids are stealing children from mothers, spouses, neighbors, communities, churches, employers....... Pennsylvania has the "Good Samaritan Law" protecting those who call 911 and stay with the overdose victim until EMS arrives; PA also has FREE Narcan for anyone to get at a pharmacy. Max & I had long talks about what we would do if we were in a position to "rat" on a friend; I know for a fact he would be the first one to call 911 if he saw a friend in trouble, even though he strugged with the dilemma. His friends failed him. I failed him. Grief is selfish - speaking up is selfless. Don't let your next friend die because you are afraid or ignorant or selfish. Don't you dare wallow in your own grief, when you know you could have done more. It is NEVER too late to speak up! Purple Bandanas are for Max - wear one to represent him. Start a hashtag "Purple Bandana" - an annual event will commence August 2018 to raise awareness and provide alternative "highs" - BMX biking, concerts, pool and poker tournaments, and more. Do it in the name of MAXXIMILLIANN. Do it in memory of or hope for anyone you know. PRPLbanDan4ev!

Snow Shoe, PA

On February 7th 2016 my brother Steve passed away from an overdose, leaving behind a son, his parents, 4 sisters, 3 brothers, and many nieces and nephews that were very close with him and loved him dearly.  I still cry for him every day and my broken heart literally hurts. Not a single day goes by that i dont think of him and miss him every single second. I do take some comfort in knowing he is at peace after years of battling addiction and depression . I pray he is flying high with the angels and that they know what they have up there and all I have now are memories some really great memories!!!!! Forever in my heart and always by my side, I love you Stephen F. Adams Sr.

Our darling boy, Tommy-Vincent Foley aged 31yrs.  Lost to heroin 18/04/2014.  We lost part of ourselves many years before he went to heaven.  Not my son, surely.... but yes, my son.   The incredulity of it all is amazing.  How could this be true?  I love you my beloved son. xxx

When I tell people how my mother died, they look down on both me and her and treat me as if I'm completely unstable. They think that, just because she went down a certain path, I'm fated to do the same. But that isn't true, and regardless of that, overdosing isn't something to judge others by- it's still death. That's why I am so happy that this organization is spreading that kind of message; that is still, again, death. It does not determine anybody's worth- not mine, not my mom's. There's more to everybody than just what you hear and see on the outside.

Dan, I am writing this tribute to you. Born onto this Earth on October 3, 1990 to two loving parents. The only child. You brought so much joy and love into the lives of others. You were an old soul. Funny, non-judgmental, unselfish to your own detriment, easy going, able to make friends with absolutely anyone, yet you were haunted by demons at a young age. None of us really knew what they were. You acted out and acted the clown to mask whatever you felt. You never, ever wanted to talk about these things. Your parents were very uncomfortable with talking about things like feelings so they loved you by not making you uncomfortable, by covering up for you over and over and by supporting you. You dabbled in drugs at a young age but it didn't seem too much cause for concern. You quickly moved to prescription narcotics and became addicted. As much as we didn't believe it, you were addicted. How could this happen? This phase was very short. Heroin was all over the suburbs. It was easy to get and so much cheaper than painkillers. Now you were a full blown heroin addict. We were all in denial. How could we not be? You were such a  beautiful person and you were succumbing to a baffling, cunning, manipulative, personality changing, fatal disease. You became a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of sorts. You hid from us what we shouldn't see and we believed you. You were in and out of rehab. Always excited and fresh. Working the steps. Taking each day as it came. You had us all sit down for a meeting to discuss your future plans. You were so excited to be getting an apartment and to be stepping up in your Dad's business. You were so happy to have had 284 days clean that day. You talked about the many things you had to be grateful for. You talked about how grateful for the fact that God had given you the opportunity to live. We were all so excited, yet still slightly tentative after everything, to have you back. So vibrant. So full of life. You were my best friend in the world. You were my soul mate. I think that God gives us each a soul mate, whether it be the same gender as us or not, in our partner or not, it doesn't matter. Dan was my soul mate. He understood and accepted me for who I was and I, you. You brought a smile to my face each and every single day that I was fortunate enough to know you. Even on the bad days, I believe you still gave me a reason to smile. On June 24, 2014 at around 1pm, I got a call from your mother. She was hysterical. They had just found you at the rough place downtown. Your "friends" left you to overdose without calling 911. There are no "Good Samaritan Laws" in this state. I could rage on about the backwards-ness of that and the fact that first responders here, besides paramedics, don't even carry narcan...but I won't. It doesn't do any good right now. It doesn't bring you back and there are other places that I will rage for you Dan. I will not let your death be in vain. This is a fight that I will NEVER stop fighting. I am so sad, angry, confused, lost, enraged, guilt stricken and horrified that this has happened. It DIDN'T have to happen. Why didn't any of us pick up on the change in your behavior? Why didn't you tell any of us? We would so eagerly have helped. We just wanted you to live. We so badly wanted you to live. Now that you're gone there is such an enormous hole in my soul. I think about you constantly. It doesn't even feel quite real yet. You are all I dream about. But I know that true love never dies and neither do memories. Your love is in my heart and you will be with me forever. Please watch over me, over all of us. We need you so very much. "It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but is never gone,"  -Rose Kennedy

Missing you Monica. forever in our hearts

Florida

  I made a friend about 30 days ago. She was sunshine and happiness all bundled up into one. She reminded me of my Niece because her name is Samantha (Samantha O'Donnell). She was funny and smart and working so hard on her recovery. We lost her 3 days ago. I don't know what to do with that. I still can't rap my head around hugging her goodbye on Wednesday to never see her smile or hear her voice again.  It takes just eye contact to make a connection that lasts a lifetime...I just didn't think that life time would be so short. I miss you Mantha Bean. Until we meet again. Jacquie and Deacon Dog

I lost my younger brother to the horrible drug of heroin on July 7, 2014. He was only 22 years young and full of life. I miss you everyday and will see you again when I get there kid.  RIP Kyle John Parzych 4/4/92-7/7/14 Love Matt

Matt was a vivacious 23 year old in February 2012 when he passed away from an overdose. A lover of life and deeply loved by his family and friends. He always brought a smile to your face. He had no use for material belongings. Everything he had he gave away as soon as it was given to him. In a way he knew the secret to life so much more than most of us. It isn't about what we have...but what we do with what we have. He gave himself son freely to the world. Matt was raised in a small rural community and as the saying goes," It takes a village to raise a child", Matt's village shunned him as his addiction turned on him. There wasn't the recovery programs that there are now. There wasn't the community support there is now. So much change has been accomplished since 2012. However we have a long long way to go to master the beast of addiction. I've known his whole life Matt was gonna change the world, but this is not the way it was supposed to happen. I miss my son terribly. Not a day goes by that my heart doesn't ache for his voice and smile. The last time I was with Matt a few hours before he overdosed, he was twirling me in circles and I was laughing so hard as he swung me around. He kept telling me he loved me. How Blessed am I that these were his final words to me. I miss my boy. Please God keep him close. Please tell your loved ones everyday how much you love them.

William Joseph Sullivan Jr. (Billy) (Widge) 3-8-1972 to 7-4-2014 We love you Billy. Rest in peace Brother. We miss not getting to know you as a young a adult. You are and will be thought of often and missed. Love always, Your brothers and sister

Ian Murphy Mitchard.  He rode the trains.  He took the name "Raindog" from Tom Waits' song. His hair was long with wicked blonde streaks & his eyes were blue.  He had an infectious laugh and a keen wit.  I loved how his voice rang out as he came in the door with that cherished word "Momma!".   Even as an adult he would hold my hand at times when we drove in the car together.  After months, or even years, on the road when he came home he would sleep with his childhood bear, "Teddy"  -  the sight of him splayed out in bed with his tattooed arm around that bear made me catch my breath at the sight of his powerful tenderness.  He cried easily.  He railed against injustice & lectured me about the police & their treatment of the homeless.  He never forgot a kindness.  He enthusiastically supported the artists of this world.  He loved music.  He loved me.  He died near exit ramp 18A leading into the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.  Left behind for the long wait to join him I've had years to ponder the meaning of his too-short and too-hard life.  I have no answers.  Only love remains, only love for my true and lovely son.

Being an addict and seeing everything go on makes me realize how bad this is. I go to a methadone clinic thinking they would help me but instead they gave me a 15 minute time window to be there because I have a service dog that helps me and my anxiety makes me puke up my dose. It's sad when addicts are treated like it doesn't matter if we overdose, have a bad day, or anything goes wrong. It isn't fair for addicts to be treated this way Lisbon, CT, United States

To my only child, my precious daughter Marti LoMonaco born 4/16/62 - left this earth on 11/3/09 at the age of 47 due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs that she was addicted to. Many hearts were shattered the day you left with the angels. I will never be the same, I will miss you until the day we are together again. You will live forever in my heart and as long as I am on this earth I will keep your memory alive. The world must never forget you were here.

Remembering you my sweet angel! Adam Tripp, age 22, died August 16th 2014. Forever loved and missed. Ypsilanti, Michigan USA

Every life is worth its full potential. Life is to short for an easy way out. Be stronger than the drugs, and see the true vision of your own project. Rip (Rene 12/06/2016)

To my son Nicolas David Holland There aren’t enough words to describe what a light in our lives Nicky was. He’d been a sensitive child with anxiety issues and as he grew he discovered that drugs could ease his pain if only for a little while. He struggled with bipolar disorder and was in a lot of pain emotionally as a result. Nick became a dad at the young age of 14 and had a beautiful little girl that he and his girlfriend named Dalilah. She is a beautiful reminder of him everyday. Nick was compassionate, loved animals and dreamed of becoming a vet one day. He was shy but around his close family he was hilarious and outgoing. I don’t want anyone to ever forget him. His dad, his 2 brothers, his daughter, his girlfriend, his grandparents and me will always hold him close to our hearts. Rest in peace my sweet boy.

This is a tribute to my son Frank who died of an overdose on Sept 1 2013

RIP Andrea Renee Demille.  BFF

I lost my dear sweet son Brandon to a heroin overdose on April 26, 2013. He was only 29 years old.  Still not a day goes by, that I don't miss his smile, his touch, his voice.  Children are NOT supposed to go before their parents!  It's just so unfair!  Something needs to be done about this!  We are losing far too many lives due to this addiction!  This drug does NOT discriminate!These are kids from all walks of life.  Most come from loving homes!  For those people who may judge them for being addicts- these kids were just as precious to us, as yours are to you.  They are NOT bad people!  They have a disease, and it's called addiction!  I pray that something gets done about this addiction, before we lose more lives to this drug!  My heart and prayers go out to all parents, who have lost a child to this addiction-and to anyone else who has lost a loved one to heroin addiction

Knowing  my son was using heroin was a total surprise to me. September 6 2015 I got a call that my son Jonathan was in the hospital a victim of drug overdose. His friends that he was with labor day weekend took him to  a local park in our city and purchased heroin. He burned it on aluminum foil and sniffed the fumes. According to doctors this method is worse than using a needle because it travels straight to your brain. They call it chasing the dragon. After doing this he was put into the backseat of his car because he was so high he could barely walk. He was driven around tow for 2 to 3 hours by his acquaintances because they thought he would sleep it off. Meanwhile the tissue in his body was breaking down due to lack of oxygen. He lived 20 days in a coma before his brain herniated (burst) around his brainstem. Jonathan was a kind soul who wanted to help the people he thought were less fortunate than him. He was always willing to lend a hand to help others. Actually that was how he ended up with these 2 people he was with. They called him to drive them to the hospital because one of them was pregnant. That last good deed cost him his life. I love you Jonathan. I told you Jesus never leaves or forsakes us now you know this because you are with him. He turned 21, 6 days before he died.

To: Andrew (6/15/91-10/11/12) My dear son, I think about you every minute of everyday. How could an evil drug take hold of such a wonderful son? I am so lucky to have had you for 21 years. I love you Andrew, my precious son…

I left a message for you last year too. It wasn't even a year since you'd been gone and there I was, in a place I never thought I'd be - missing you. The pain I carry now is no lighter than it was back then, but better concealed. My life has shattered. It is sometimes motionless yet going through the motions. My heart aches for you and what could have been. What should have been. Your struggle was real and hidden. Your pain was there and unseen. Your life hung on a rope, tipping from one end to the other, never knowing which way the wind would blow and what would happen. The days we spent talking to one another before the final goodbye ring in my ears. You always teaching, always sharing. Somehow, maybe God was preparing me. If I'd had known the outcome, I'd surely have run to your rescue! I would have reassured you and asked you to hold on. Had I been there I would have stopped you. I would have begged and pleaded for your life. And yet, as it is written on your tombstone, words you spoke to me and dad. "Sometimes, the Lord's final healing comes with taking you home." I have to believe and stand by, or I'd go mad. The Lord, He was yours. And you were His. And one day I pray, I'll see you again. I love you Bubba. More than words. I love you!

Hey ant. I love ya bud. I miss you so much. Jr and kelsey are in good hands and all of our friends are taking care of them both. Jr is loved so much and looks so much like you. He's ten months and he's huge! Keep watching over us pal. Love ya  

4 months ago today, on my 24th birthday, I lost my father to a heroin overdose. He struggled for years to get sober, but he was always fighting so many demons on his back that he could never stay clean for long. He had overdosed quite a few times before this, but God always worked a miracle for him and he would get better. I myself struggled with this addiction when I was 18 years old, and it lasted for a little over a year. I can say, it is not easy to stop at all. But it CAN be done. And I wish others would see that it is possible and not give up hope. Not a day goes by that I don't miss and think about my dad. He was my best friend in the whole world. However, I can't help but think about how he is no longer suffering and fighting demons. Love you dad

Always in our hearts 💕

Lexington Ky

Remembering my beautiful mother, as she was taken from this world 4 years ago to this horrifying epidemic. RIP momma, I love you

Pennsylvania, US

To: Samantha Vincent My it's been sooo long. Really miss you and know, you're still with me.

We Love & Miss You!! Our Family, Our Friends!  Our Angels In Heaven!  In Loving Memory of Jamie Lee McCabe & Brittany Jean Lovely ?

Robin Scott MacDonald 10/2/70-18/11/97 Dearest Rob – so kind, so gentle and so individual. Taken by heroin, but never forgotten and always in our minds.

To My Big Brother, Tad J. Hyde 1/18/1974-11/15/2015. Some days I still just can't believe it, I say it out loud and it makes no sense to me, like I'm speaking a different language that no one can understand. Those  are my good days. On my bad days the grief hits  me like a ton of bricks, almost knocking me down sometimes when I think of all the promise , possibilities, and opportunities life was about to present to you. All of your hard work and time was over just like that. Even faster than it began. I try my best to stay strong, keep my chin up and keep moving forward because I know that's what mom needs me to do and what you would want me to do for her but some days it seems like it's raining those damn bricks and all I can do is think about how unfair it is. I miss you every minute of everyday and hope you see me working my ass off in school because losing you gave me the determination to not only finish but to finish at the top because I know how much you want me to succeed.  All my hard work and headaches are all for you because you can't be here to experience your own. Love, Your Baby Sister

I miss my daughter and just to know that whoever sold her the dope is probably living his/Her life but my daughter was murdered and lost her life at the age of30 leaving behind 5 children .

Nashville,Tn. USA

On May 17, 2017 I lost my only sister, Michele Lautenbach, to a heroin overdose. She was only 28 years old. She had been battling her addiction for close to 10 years and we are all extremely heartbroken that she lost. We have to spread awareness for the memory of our loved ones.

St. Louis

Our daughter Sara passed 2 yrs ago from an accidental drug overdose...this disease took her life long before she passed away..She left behind 3 beautiful sons..I miss her everyday, I love this addict and I HATE this disease oak forest