to my only child and my best friend,randi c. rowell who was found dead from an herion overdose in a ohio motel room july 18,2012. she went to visit a friend and was gone less than a month. she was a true blessing and so full of life. and trusted everyone. i am very greatful that she was given to me for 24 years,even still i wish it had been much longer. she was my world. we wear the same clothes, had same friends,worked at the same place,and she lived with me most of er life. now my life has changed and will never be the same. i know she is dancing in the sky and singing in the Angels choir.i miss her very much. she will never be forgotten and will remain in my heart forever. i love you babygirl to the moon and back.until we meet again i will hold every memory tight in my heart.love you the mostest. your mommy

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

To: Aloma I always think of my brother at family gatherings, birthdays, warmly looking at his children too. I recently got a big photo of my brother. There are days when I cry for him - he is always in my thoughts.

I'm forever saddened by the number of deaths caused in this senseless way.  My artistic and poetic son, Jacob, was over powered by his addiction to prescription medications.  It's been nearly seven years ago and I still miss him constantly.  Too many sensitive souls lost to over doses.  I love you forever Jacob. Mom.

My brother Keith died from a heroin overdose in April of 2015. The heroin was laced with Fentanyl and he was alone when he used. No one in my family had any idea that he was addicted to heroin. Nothing prepares you for this kind of loss, and no one should have to go through this. I miss him everyday.

Sean Patrick you will never be forgotten nor shall your passing be in vain. You were taken from from us at the tender age of 18 on 11/11/07 by the demon called heroin. Many have realized the dangers of drug use since your passing and I will continue to keep the torch going to help in educating in hopes of saving lives to this horrible disease. Love Mom and Dad

Jacob B., 29 I hope that you’re comfortable in the quiet lasting grace. I love you forever.

Posted 30/06/2018

Shannon Henderson..age 26, overdosed on heroin. My great sister, a mother, daughter, and best friend. Never forgotten and always loved in our hearts! Love and miss you shannon! Rest easy for one day we will see each other again! Love you 💘 Louisville, ky

I lost my 26 year old son 16 months ago to a heroin overdose.  He is missed by all who knew and loved him.  He had been clean and doing great. He went out one evening to help a friend with something and never came home.  He battled alcoholism and addiction for 10 years.  To redo things in his life would be a dream.  NOT EVEN ONCE needs to be spoken to everyone.  It only takes one time and your loved one is gone. Jeremy did not want to die, he had everything to live for.  A job, a newborn son, and a loving family.  We will forever love and miss him.  We are broken without him.  I LOVE YOU Jeremy

Remembering my son Ryan Helton, who departed Earth 8-21-2010

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

It is really tough for a mother who has lost a child to write a tribute. Thinking about losing your first born child brings on a lot of pain and anguish. Loss for me now is everywhere, but I have come to realize so, too, is love. And it is this love I want to remember and write about in my tribute. My son, Jonathan, sometimes called Johnny by friends and family, in a word, was beautiful- both on the inside and outside. Johnny almost defies description; that is how totally awesome he was. If you met him, even for five minutes, you would never forget him. He was the quintessential extrovert. His friends could always count on him to get the party going. But, Jonathan was also a deep thinker, comfortable with showing his compassionate side, revealing his heart in both his words and actions. To those of us who knew him, I think we would all agree he will be remembered by three things: his legacy of love, his joy of living, and his never give up attitude. Jonathan was as not afraid of what the world had in store for him. He was my hero. Jonathan E. Squire, Jr. passed on January 12, 2015 by an accidental opioid overdose. He was 25 years old.

LOVE YOUR CHILD GROWN OR NOT UNCONDITIONALLY ! EDUCATION OF HEROINE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. STRONG FAMILY SUPPORT IS ALSO VIP. I'LL MISS MY BABY GIRL BRITTANY NICOLE ALWAYS AND FOREVER ♡ OUR LIVES WITH NEVER BE COMPLETE ... "EVER " BLESS HER 2 BABIES GOD AND WHATCHOVER THEM ALWAYS PLEASE ! Norton Ohio

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.

Rest in peace stacey. Taken too soon.

I lost my sisters to a drug overdose. Yes sisters! Both of them, my only siblings, my baby sisters. Lisa Roxane Hitchcock' Berrios 03-22-1969 to 04-03-2007 Joely Kathleen Mullino 12-20-1982 to 04-18-2007 They died 15 days apart. Not a day goes by that their death doesn't affect me. I miss them every day! Lisa was only two years younger than I. We grew up together. We fought, we made up, we hated each other, we loved each other, as sisters do. Drugs had a hold on her more than anything else in her life. Even after numerous overdoses and dying for 5mins. She had to learn how to feed herself, walk, talk again. It didn't stop her. Nothing, and no one could reach her. I miss you every day Lisa! You took a part of me with you. Joely my baby sister. You were only 24. So young and full of living. Lisa's death made you spiral out of control. Having an infant daughter didn't wake you up. You self-medicated depression with drugs. I adopted your baby girl. She's my daughter now. I love her more than you could. I miss you every day and see you in your little girl. I hope you know how much I love her. She's my world. I hope you both are resting in peace. I haven't found it yet with losing you two..I miss y'all so very much, every single day!

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…

To my dear brother Ed, from the day you went home to be with Jesus, I knew the demons you fought were gone. I'm so grateful that you are my brother and that you now are at peace <3

Please watch my video about my brother's addiction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyJSlIIr_II&list=UUiWP_Dw9CQiDyxjmk04hbcQ

You Are Loved And Missed Everyday Robby! Gone Too Soin My Love.

Jacksonville FL

Timmy, I am so very very sorry.  I think I made just about every mistake in the book. I'm sorry, I did love you and I know you're at last at peace. Rosemarie

Dearest Little Sister, Tammie I judged you harshly. I blamed you. I did not understand. I did not know the power of addiction. I hate the years it took from us. I hate the pain it caused your kids. But, now...baby, now I get it. Now, I understand. Some day I will hold you and tell you I love you. Some day I will sing you to sleep again. Someday I will look in your beautiful green eyes and ask you to forgive me. Until that day, There will always be an empty place in my heart. I am so sorry. I love you.

I lost my beautiful daughter January 4th 2015. Summer was only 25 years old. A beautiful life and mind lost to the soul stealing, most evil drug. I will miss her everyday for the rest of my life. I love you Summer.

Newcomerstown Ohio, USA

For my amazing daughter Justina, who was taken much too soon from her addiction to heroin. At almost 23 years old, me and a friend found my daughter passed away in her bed. That image will never leave my mind. I've struggled with my own addiction for years. This has broken me though, her loss. I miss my first born, best friend, daughter, and mother of my first grandchild Tristan. Fly high angel, see you in my dreams angel. Love,Mommy.

My younger brother Tommy Michael Mount passed away on November 20, 2016 from a lethal mixture of drugs, including heroin. Tommy was only 19 years old. He was a fun, outgoing, free- spirited person. He loved to make people laugh and was good at it. Tommy battled with some demons inside which led him to turn to alcohol and drugs at such a young age. He got involved with a not so good group of people and it just got worse from there. He was at the age where he though he was invincible and that he wouldn't get hurt or even worse die. But sadly, that wasn't the case. Tommy is deeply missed every second of everyday. But the memories we have of and with him are forever cherished like our personal little movies.

Philadelphia, PA, USA

On the day of April 2, 2016 i lost my dear cousin from a tragic death from an accidental overdose of heroin. At the age of 25 he was caught in the grip of addiction and was struggling for his life. He was clean for 2 months and finally became the father he needed to be for his 8 month old son but addiction had a very strong grip on him and he relapsed with a very bad batch of heroin which caused his heart to stop.It destroyed my entire family and me being the age of 18 feel like i have lost everything. In the state of Delaware, heroin has become the number 1 drug killing the youth and adults. My message to people all around the world, if you or someone you know is struggling with drugs and or addiction of something life threatening please do not hesitate and ask for help. There is help out there for people who want to change there life's and become a better person. There are people who care in this world and if we come together we can stop this from happening and we can stop young people leaving this world to soon.

My nephew, Billy Jr. Love and miss you so much. I miss your love, your hugs and your beautiful smile Bubby. Life will never be the same. Rest in peace my much loved boy. 1991-5/22/2017 St Clair MO

In loving memory of my beautiful son, Timothy John McGowan, who was taken by this terrible disease on October 27, 2015 at the young age of 25. He was trying so hard to do good, had a great job, was really working hard at his recovery, got out of rehab, attended his meetings, went back to his busy job and school.  Had been on Naltrexone daily and was running out and went to doctors to get vivitrol shot, but they required he get a blood test first, he was waiting for the call back to get back in for the shot, broke down, got a pill from someone and then he was craving apparently and could not find his Percocet (which was his drug of choice) so he ended up getting what he thought was heroin and it was 100% fentanyl and it killed him.  He had never overdosed before and the paramedics and cops didn't have narcon when they arrived.  The doctors office finally called back the day after he died, too late! His last note to himself on his phone was to call them again.  I never thought this would take him, he was full of life, hardworking, fun, but unfortunately as a result of injuries and surgeries, he was instantly hooked on his pain meds.  Medications that our great country allows to be prescribed to anyone, even though they were told they are non-addictive. Now that they have hooked so many addicts they will make money on of the antidote.  This is such a disgrace that our country can't stop drug companies and drug dealers who are now killing people selling a drug they don't they are taking and its 100 times stronger.  My handsome son, had so much life ahead of him, now I have to live with this empty, horrible pain everyday for the rest of my life.  I struggle to survive each day, and look to my angel to give me strength, as he was so strong, but not strong enough to overcome this illness.  Don't be fooled to think that your loved one will be okay, they need help for a long time and possibly vivitrol to keep the receptors in the brain from craving the drug.  It takes years to stop that craving.  It is truly a horrific disease.  And unfortunately a lot of people are ignorant to the fact that it is a disease and not a choice for people. I pray that they don’t have to experience the vicious cycle that becomes the life of the addict and those that love them.  We really do live in a world where people judge, and are cruel and as a result those suffering live in shame and don’t share and reach out to those that who could help them.   I live in a world of why’s now and will always have so many regrets that I didn’t treat his illness as just that and make people aware of it, although most people don’t want to help and stay away unless the afflicted want to help themselves.  Most people just go on and want to live their own lives free of this sadness and all the negativity it brings.  I continue to witness that.    Prayers for all those that continue to suffer with addiction and all those that we have lost on the way.  My baby boy will forever be in my heart and soul and my love for him is eternal.  I do have a very special angel.  I will always be proud to call him my son.  Love you forever my beautiful son Timothy.

Derek Hatcher died on February 21, 2016 from an overdose of heroin and Fentanyl. He was an outstanding college quarterback who loved life to the fullest, until drugs took over. His legacy lives on through the foundation set up by his family to raise awareness of substance abuse and addiction using Derek's words "Don't pick up, it's not worth it!"

Middleburg, FL

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

I almost lost my first born to relapse overdose last week, and had the unbelievable privilege to see Narcan work  it's miracle.  I am so, forever and always, thankful to the new awareness to this disease, as pill form opiate addiction almost took me also. Let's just keep this new unjudgemental pace of awareness going, it's working miracles every moment.  And may all who have paid the ultimate price to the disease of addiction finally R.I.P.  If you need names this is dedicated to Cortney and Andrew.

In honor of my beautiful, sweet and sensitive son, Mitchell. My son passed away from an overdose at the young age of 22. My life is forever altered but I am trying to find ways to go on, not without him, but with him in my heart and as my inspiration forever. My dear boy, Dad, Jared, Sam and Jack all miss you but find it too hard to talk about it. I will never stop talking about you, never stop sharing about you. In my heart I believe life was never going to get any easier for you. I am sorry my dear. We need to do a better job with our youth, addictive illness, and mental illness. You tried my boy, you tried to hang in there but it was not meant to be. I miss you every single moment of every day. It has now been three years, as of 6/11/13. It seems like yesterday. Forever loving you, my son, Mitchy.

In memory of the fine actor and good guy that Phillip Seymour Hoffman was. To everyone in his family, and to those with whom he was friends, my deep sympathy at your loss. It is a loss shared on a greater scale by many of his fans. May he rest in peace and may God hold him close.

To: Melissa Kosmin (Passed away 9/19/13) From: Your Friends and Colleagues at the National Adoption Center Melissa...you were part of our National Adoption Center group on FACEBOOK and it was apparent from time to time that you were struggling with depression. One of your last entries was just before your death when you said you were going back to graduate school to get your Master's in Social Work. Many of us were cheering when we heard that. Most of us had no idea how much of a struggle life was for you. I had a sister, Nancy, who committed suicide and as sad as we were as a family, we supported her decision to take her own life. With time, I hope your family will be able to accept your decision. Blessings on you and your family, Carolyn Johnson

too all the addicts in or out of active addiction. be strong n move forward ur never alone dnt forget that!! RIP... Nathan, steady eddy and kristie-emus! ❤️

We love you CJ! We are keeping your "beats" alive by helping others struggling with drug addiction keep their heart beats alive! Your loss has not been in vain. The Beat Lives On

Lindenhurst NY USS

My son Derrick died of an accidental heroine overdose on 5/7/14 age 31, he is missed so much, fly high, shine bright my beautiful boy forever with me XX

Scott, I think of you every day. How could I not? Mental illness took over. I am so sorry for that and wish there was something anybody could have done for you. Yes, you were the smartest person in the room but you were also the funniest. It was a struggle that was not to be overcome. I hope you are at peace. You knew this to be your destiny. That's sad. I hung out with you for a while at the cemetery today. Too many other young adults there for the same reason. 8/9/79-12/15/12. Mom

To: My Son Quentin, died from a accidental overdose, 27 years old died on March 23, 2010. The best son ever...missed so much and loved forever. See you in heaven dear heart! Moms

My biological mother tragically lost her life to an overdose recently. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to meet her. I am choosing to fight the opioid epidemic in honor of my beautiful mother. I will be forever broken that I never got the honor to meet her due to such a terrible illness. I love you mom.

Posted 15/08/2018

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

Missing my beautiful son, Reagan "Ray" Thompson who died from a heroin overdose October 5, 2012 at the age of 20. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend to so many. We have to do whatever it takes to end this epidemic that is stealing a generation of young people!

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

Dawson Pettit- my beautiful 26 year old son was lost to an accidental heroin overdose on March 1, 2014- just 3 days out of rehab. I have spent the last 3 plus years since his death being an advocate for recovery,and learning about the disease of addiction. I serve on the Board of 2 non-profits in the addiction and recovery fields. I have served on Family panels, gone to every seminar, every training, every class,and every conference available to me and I tell Dawson's story as often as I can. NOT ONE MORE- my initial motto has morphed into HOPE in RECOVERY and by telling about my family's heartbreak I can only hope to help someone else from going down this mad spiral of opioid addiction that is claiming lives at an alarming rate. My tribute is to my son Dawson- a warm, loving, sensitive, animal loving son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend and best friend to his rescue dog Burly.

Mooresville, NC 28117

Heroin has destroyed too many families , that seems to be the biggest drug of choice these days ..... My son Justen grew up like most little boys , loved fishing , go cart riding and being silly ....he was also a compassionate young man that lived everyone .it seems as thou all of our stories have a few things in common , 1 ,being that our children were very loved and will be missed our entire life , my son Justen died from a Heroin overdose August 9,2016.... My life will never be the same or complete with him gone.... My heart is shattered in a million pieces , I miss you Justen with every breath I have left in me .... I will love you always and look forward to seeing you again .... On the other side....love" moms"❤️

Mother of 5 to 5 without a mother!! My Sissy, Only Sister Lori Lee Peterson Bahlouli age 40 died of an Overdose of Heroin supposivley laced with Fentanyl after being clean for 8 months . Lori went to her bedroom in Ssh to retire for the nite after confrontation with Well Known H Dealer and live in boyfriend of 5 years about his relapses and her pleading with him repeatedly to move out because she was so close to getting at least one son back. That one son less than an hour later was calling 911 and performing  CPR on his  Blue and Cold  Deceased Mother after Dealer and Live in Bofreind of 5 years said they were leaving to get something to drink and Shut the bedroom door behind them with Our Cherish Daughter,Sissy,Mommy,Aunty,Grandmother of 2 G-Babies under 2 years of age! We just can't go on without ANSWERS!! NO CHARGES PRESSED ON ANY OF THESE  TWO MEN! SSH DETECTIVE FAILED THIS FAMILY! WHY DIDN'T THEY OVERDOSE WHEN THEY DID THE POISON TOO??! NONE OF THIS ADDS UP! WE NEED TOUGHER  LAWS ON PEOPLE WATCHING SOMEONE OD AND NOT CALLING 911!! SHE COULDN'T CALL 911! SHE WOULD HAVE WANTED THEM TO CALL 911! THEY LEFT HER THERE DEAD, CLOSED THE DOOR BEHIND THEM FOR HER SON TO FIND HER TO DEAL WITH IT!! NO CHARGES FILED ON THESE TWO MEN! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!!  LORI LEE PETERSON BAHLOULI  11-26-75 TO 02-05-16..REST IN PEACE. ..WISH Our family  COULD Have Peace TOO!..Love Your One and Only Little Sissy, Karen

In loving memory of my angel Justina Renee Wahlsmith who passed away April 1, 2014 of a heroin/meth overdose.  I love you and miss you so much, I miss your arms your hugs your laugh your smile. I love you so much, so much. I see you every night in my dreams,  riding horses together through the snowy mountains sharing stories, laughing and loving each other. Till we meet again in heaven, in my heart and soul I carry you.  I love you always and forever. MOMMY

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

Robin - our much loved son and brother who sadly died aged 27 on 18 November 1997 from an accidental heroin overdose - nearly 21 years ago but the pain of this still hurts today and always will. Still desperately missed by us all.. Loved you then Love you still Always have Always will Mum, Dad and Sean xx

At 4:45am on February 22, 2015, I found my 21 year old son in our family room, surrounded by multiple packets of heroin, with a rolled up bill and heroin residue on his iphone on the coffee table in front of him. He was making gurgling sounds in his throat and I couldn't wake him. Paramedics came, he was rushed to the hospital where he remained in ICU, intubated on a ventilator for 3 days. His chances were maybe 50/50 that he would survive. He did, but he incurred an anoxic brain injury, affecting his basal ganglia and cerebellum. After 10 days, he was transferred to a rehabilitation institute where he had to learn how to hold his head up, swallow, and walk again. After 3 weeks, he was out of diapers, walking with assistance and swallowing. After 3 months he said his first quasi-audible words. Now, 18 months out, he's able to walk, jog, ice skate (! he was an amazing hockey player in high school), though he's still unable to skip, jump or swim. Speaking is still an extreme challenge and he has frequent throughout the day recurrent spasms and tic's. By the grace of God, his intellectual capacity is in tact and if you'd read his writing, you'd never know the disabilities he now has. He contributed to a website last December describing his journey (http://www.thedialogueprojects.com/blogs/voices/80109766-joey-pesavento). He still has a long ways to go and we hope and pray he'll make it to a place more approximating normalcy, but we have no way of knowing at this point. We're so proud of Joey's tenacity in fighting, not only his addiction, but also for his chance to get to a place where he can live a normal independent life.