Heroin Support Blog

2013/04/05 - Steven Joseph Fermaint - Age 23 yrs - Bridgeview, Illinois

Submitted by: Anna Prete - Parent

Name: Steven Joseph Fermaint
State:  Illinois, 60455
Date of Passing: 4-5-2013
Date of Birth: 10-25-1989
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Steven was a beautiful young man with a loving and joyous personality! He did not discriminate against anyone... He had his whole life ahead of him. He was 6 months away from graduating college at Illinois State University on a scholarship from the state of Illinois to be a special education teacher when his addiction started. We found out at his wake from the superintendent of the high school he graduated from that he had his last interview and was already hired!!! He loved helping other people and always found the positive side of everything even if it was a bad situation. He touched so many lives and it showed ... There were over 2000 people at his wake!!!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

We found out about Stevens addiction when he overdosed for the first time. It was at the neighborhood Burger King.. He went into convulsions and fell out of the booth.. People were stepping over him like he was a bumb!!! He was minutes away from loosening his life when the ambulance arrived. He went into a treatment center and I thought that's all it would take and that he would overcome it.. Bot was I ever wrong!!! When Steven came out he was sober one week and overdosed again in our bathroom!! He went on to battle his addiction for three years.. Through that time he went through countless treatment centers.. Halfway houses sober homes and a sober Christian home.. He overdosed many more times . Through it all though he never lost his faith in Jesus or God!!! He used to tell me "mama I want to stop but I can't!! It turned my beautiful loving intelligent son to someone we no longer knew!!!

What Made Them Smile?

Everything made him smile!!! He had a smile that lit up a room and his face from ear to ear!!! His brothers made him smile... His friends.... His girlfriend... Music sports... He always had a smile on his face.. Everyone misses that beautiful smile!!!

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about him!! His laugh , his smell, his jokes, his goofy dancing, his contagious personality , his hugs, but most of all I just miss him!!!!!

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

If I had the chance to say one more thing to him it would be so so much!!! That I never stopped loving him, that Through everything I was still very proud of him and everything he accomplished in his short life and most of all that his death was not in vien!!! By sharing his story it has already saved 2 lives and hope by continuing to share his story it saves more!!! I will love him and miss him forever!!!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/05/19 - Joe Kittinger - Age 36 yrs - Lodi, Wisconsin

Submitted by: Sally Guajardo - Other Family

Name: Joe Kittinger
State:  Wisconsin, 53555
Date of Passing: 5/19/2013
Date of Birth: 2/8/1977
Age: 36 

Tell Us About Them:

Joe was always caring and would've given the shirt off your back.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled with addiction since he was 13 he came from a family of alcoholics and drug addiction. He was in and out of jails since he was 16. He died in the system. He would always keep in touch with me whenever he got released from prison but this last time he called and confided in me that he has been using herion and was injecting it. I walked the same road as him and tried to help and once I mentioned helping him he avoided me. Its sad that his biological father died because of drugs and so did the man that raised him who he called dad. Nor to mention an uncle and many good friends. It just goes to show you that you can't be scared into recovery only when that person us ready will they finally surrender.

What Made Them Smile?

Building cars and riding motorcycles and his children and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Not to mention the many women he was with. Not saying this in a bad way but joe had 1 girl for every day of the week and 2 for the week end.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile . how he could make you smile by acting silly. We grew up in the same house so we were more like brother and sister than cousins

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

That I love him and everyone misses him and why didn't you call someone & I'm not mad at him

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/11/24 - John Watson - Age 29 yrs - Huntington, West Virginia

Submitted by: Donna Donovan - Parent

Name: John Watson
State:  West Virginia, 25701
Date of Passing: 11/24/2015
Date of Birth: 02/17/1986
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

John truly was one of the most beautiful souls I had ever known...even being my son, I say this without bias. John was always looking out for others before himself, always one to help those in need. John struggled with depression and other issues from a very early age, having endured some horrible trials. John was an "old soul" from birth. The struggle with those inner demons could be seen played out in his eyes, even during his happiest moments. But he never lost his love for those in his life. When John Watson loved you, you knew it. he loved hard, and openly. He had a loyalty to those in his life I don't feel will ever be matched. Up to the hour before his death, he was reaching out and helping others in their struggles.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

After 9 good months clean, John relapsed and died. John would have been 30 this February. He was sold a batch of heroin laced with fentanyl and cocaine...died instantly. We battled this disease for 16 years. John had had clean time over the years under his belt...6 months here, a year there, but not until this last time had he actually taking recovery serious, actually worked a real program. No matter how many times I had played this scenario out in my head (11 years ago he died 3 times enroute to the hospital after an overdose of a cocktail and PCP, LSD, E, and various other drugs and laid in a coma for 3 weeks) nothing prepared me for the reality of him never coming back.

What Made Them Smile?

Being in the presence of his Tribe, dancing and drumming around Paw Paw at the placed he considered "home"..Wisteria, the love of his sister, Faith...his girlfriend, Katelynn..and her beautiful daughter he loved as his own, Kinley.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laughter. Oh gods, how I miss his laughter. And his hugs. His smile. His unending love that showed thru even the darkest of times in our lives. I miss coming home and finding my cupboards have been raided, lol...I miss those stinky socks he would leave around my house. I miss my son.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I don't really know that there is anything else I could say that I hadn't already. We told each other we loved each other hours before he died. What would I say? Don't. This time is the time...this time you WILL die. Please don't leave us...don't make this slip.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/12/16 - Kyle Krause - Age 24 yrs - Tacoma, Washington

Submitted by: Peter Krause - Parent

Name: Kyle Krause
State:  Washington, 98408
Date of Passing: 12-16-15 
Date of Birth: 12-22-90
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Kyle was a very forgiving young man, He was a friend to all! Everybody loved Kyle and he loved them back. He had so many friends, It really is so sad

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

I did not know about it until he came to stay with me, First he started out oxycontin and naturally went to heroin, from what I have read. I had him live with me three times. Once when him and two friends were doing oxy's then twice with his girlfriend. I knew at that point what they were doing. I tried to tell him it was a bad path and I still loved him, I still love him. He is around me in spirit! Helping me get through this nightmare!

What Made Them Smile?

Going crabbing, fishing and any thing else he was always smiling! I suppose at the end it was the heroin. He went to a halfway house and was clean, then it sucked right back in

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Wrestling with him, we had so much fun

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you, and I know that it's not your fault.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/08/28 - Shawn Spriggs - Age 22 yrs - Las Vegas, Nevada

Submitted by: Alysa Spriggs - Sibling

Name: Shawn Spriggs
State:  Nevada, 89108
Date of Passing: 8/28/2015
Date of Birth: 7/17/1993
Age: 22 

Tell Us About Them:

Energetic, loved all family and friends unconditionally. He was loved to fish, camp, and absolutely loved to skateboard. He took care of the people he loved the most. Loved to play music with my father. He played electric guitar, his inspirations were Megadeath and Metallica.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He started out with me meth and im not too entirely sure how he got addicted to heroin. He would keep me and my parents at a distance with this. He'd never come home high, so he would be gone for days and even months. He knew what he was doing was wrong and how it affected us, as a family and individually. He knew the changes he had to make but I feel like heroin took over his life. Finally the heroin destroyed a valve in his heart and had an abscess on his aorta valve. He had open heart surgery, recovered for the most part. He passed away four days after he got out of the long term care hospital. He passed away sober. No drugs in his system.

What Made Them Smile?

Joking with everyone. Spending time with family, his cousins and playing music.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss hearing him greet me when we see each other. How happy he was to see me. Spending hours upon hours playing the newest Call of Duty games. Him eating my food and leaving me nothing. Because now our fridge is too full.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

Just play another round with me. And visit me.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/07/01 - Cheryl Fitzpatrick - Age 50 yrs - South Point, Ohio

Submitted by: Delila Crum - Parent

Name: Cheryl Fitzpatrick 
State:  Please choose a state., 45680
Date of Passing: 7-1-15
Date of Birth: 11-30-64
Age: 50 

Tell Us About Them:

She was the kindest, most warm hearted women. Would give you the food out of her mouth, and the shirt off of her back. She never failed to make me smile.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

She had the most beautiful soul out of any person I've ever met. The disease just got the best of her & took over her mind... She overdosed three times on heroin before the last time claimed her beautiful life.

What Made Them Smile?

Coffee & fuzzy socks

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile and her laugh..

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I forgive you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/02/01 - Katnie Moore - Age 21 yrs - Germantown, Ohio

Submitted by: Kathy Trader - Parent

Name: Katnie Moore
State:  Ohio, 45327
Date of Passing: 02/01/2014
Date of Birth: 06/16/1992
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Katnie was a mother, sister, friend and my daughter. She was loving and caring and the most important person in her life was her baby Ali.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

she wasnt struggling with heroin, she was trying to get her life together and trusted to many people that she should not have. She was abused by her boyfriend and went to jail for protecting herself, she was give heroin in jail, and died of an overdose. No one checked on her while in custody.

What Made Them Smile?

She loved her daughter and her mother and brothers so much every time she got to see them she would smile the biggest smile.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her strength and her caring attitude. I love her so much.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

How proud I was of her and that I loved her so much.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/01/18/ - Zachary Flowers - Age 21 yrs - Mishawaka, Indiana

Submitted by: Caroline Flowers - Parent

Name: Zachary Flowers
State:  Indiana, 46545
Date of Passing: 1/18/2014
Date of Birth: 2/14/1992
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Zach had the greatest strengths he could put a smile in everyone's face, he was a best friend to everyone who knew him a wonderful son, brother and Dad he loved his daughter so much so proud. Very ambitious great job bought his first house. Had the world by the tail loved to fish that was his favor thing to do he Han many great times in his life he was loved by all

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

His was a short one why I ask my self everyday but I think he chose to keep company with some people who had addictions and a weak moment he was hooked it truly took over the last 4 months of his life till I guess God took him to a better place and he's at peace now

What Made Them Smile?

Family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile and his joking around he always kept me smiling

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

Why does God always take the best

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/02/12 - Dustin Hallam - Age 20 yrs - Streator, Illinois

Submitted by: Debra Hallam - Parent

Name: Dustin Hallam
State:  Illinois, 61364
Date of Passing: 02/12/2014
Date of Birth: 06/11/1993
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

Dustin was very sensitive, loving and an ultimate comedian, He would use jokes to hide his pain.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Went into rehab 3 weeks after starting Heroin. Was in rehab 4 more times before he died 15 months later

What Made Them Smile?

Dustin loved children. So many kids are hurting because he is gone.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

laughter, Dustin could always make me laugh no matter how mad I was at him.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

Hold me in one of your big bear hugs and never let go

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/11/10 - nathan bartley - Age 35 yrs - Royal Oak, Michigan

Submitted by: amanda bartley - Sibling

Name: nathan bartley
State:  Michigan, 48073
Date of Passing: 11-10-2015
Date of Birth: 4-9-1980
Age: 35 

Tell Us About Them:

An amazing artist! Amazing big and little brother...never had a mean bone in his body. Always wanted everyone to be happy and get along! He had a 3 year old son that meant the world too him and vise versa. Such a loving soul that was taken from us way too soon!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He has been battling depression and addiction for years. He waa finally getting clean and on the right track so he could get custody of his son, and some how relapse d

What Made Them Smile?

Family, friends, and most importantly to him his baby boy Finn

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything! His smile, his advice, he was always therw when you needed him.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I feel like i disappointed you,and let you down. I know you thought you werent loved by your family through the times of your sickness, but you now know just how much you are loved, and i know your at peace but our pain is not subsiding. I love you Nannie, i promise to watch over Finn and make sure he knows who his daddy is and how amazing of a man and daddy you were.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

06/26/2015 - Sean Riley - Age 45 yrs - Pasadena, Maryland

Submitted by: Aleta Daley - Parent

Name: Sean Riley
State:  Maryland, 21122
Date of Passing: 06/26/2015
Date of Birth: 07/22/1969
Age: 45 

Tell Us About Them:

People knew him for his insane sense of humour (after they learned not to be AFRAID of his sometime brooding persona). For 3 of his years in recovery he had no car or license, but managed to get rides to meetings EVERY day, sometimes 2 per day, because people loved to be entertained by him. Friendship was everything to him. He adored women, had countless women friends. Texting and Facebook were made for him. All his friends tell me they miss his texting them a hundred times a day. How he had time to do that between so many face book posts, working and going to meetings, I don’t know…
Because of his addiction, depression, and self esteem issues, Sean’s main regret was never getting to have a close relationship with his son. When Sean got into recovery, he sued his ex for custody and won, but was afraid, by then, to upset Kenny’s life by taking him away from his maternal grandmother, with whom he had the only stability he had ever known. I think Sean was afraid he might infect him somehow.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Sean had an IQ of 160, but he also had ADD, before anyone was familiar with it. So he had difficulty bothering to sit in school. He quit HS, took the GED, and scored in the 98th percentile. He had started as a young teen with weed. Eventually he went on to PCP and crack. Later he told me he never met a drug he didn’t like, but was afraid of needles. In rehab at 18, he learned some things, but it didn’t “take”. He was diagnosed with depression at that time. Sean worked hard most of his life, he absolutely loved hard physical labor and had the strength of a bull. When he was in recovery, I asked him how he managed to work (aside from stints in jail)) the whole time he was using. He told me that it was his “hustle”. He wasn’t good at shoplifting, he wasn’t a prostitute, and couldn’t do armed robbery. (Not that our cash, and his brother’s things didn’t turn up missing occasionally.)
He didn’t try heroin until in his 30’s when he met a beautiful heroin addict with whom he became obsessed (She is now clean). He kicked cold turkey several times, started “coming around” to meetings on & off for a few years (between overdoses and suicide attempts and jail time). The last straw; he robbed his little brother’s house, I cut him off and told him none of us ever wanted to hear from him again unless he was clean, or dead. To our surprise he went into recovery and called when he had 6 months clean, which lasted for 5 years. His first sponsor, Chuck, made such a huge impression on him. Chuck knew how to address the mental illness AND drug addiction. But, when Sean had only 6 months clean, Chuck was killed in a motor cycle accident on the way home from a meeting, right in front of the car Sean was in. Still, Chuck had taught him enough that he was still able to stay clean through all his grief. Sean sponsored people; got his own apartment, attended church, and fell in love with a brilliant, devout young woman. Unfortunately this did not end in marriage, as he had hoped. They had different goals. She left to teach in Asia, and he spiraled into depression and eventually relapse. He managed to get back into recovery for 6 months, even start dating a really sharp girl, but then heard she was back for summer break. His mental illness took this as a sign, he checked himself into the psych ward, and a week after release, he overdosed for the last time.. 

What Made Them Smile?

Talking with his son. His friends. His friend’s babies. New phones. Winning word or trivia games (as he did constantly). Playing spades. Cooking. Getting to drive a new car; anybody’s new car.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Sean was my oldest. I had him when I was 15, and I was 61 when he died. In a way he defined my life, since we grew up together. He could find humour in ANYTHING and make me laugh, even if I was mad at him. I miss the way he would try to contain his own laughter (especially when it was inappropriate), but it would BURST out of him. I miss his intelligence and encyclopaedic knowledge (from voracious reading, not from school), I could call him any time I was stumped on something, especially history or music (his favourite things) and he would always know the answer.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

If only you could have seen hundreds of your devastated friends, most of who are in recovery, and their families, who came to thank you for being there for them. I just wish you could have separated your self-worth from the objects of your obsession/affection. They did NOT determine your value. And I would tell him Kenny loves him and does miss him, more than he could imagine, as do I.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/07/02 - Zakery Anderson - Age 23 yrs - Ontario, Ohio

Submitted by: Heather Hedges - Parent

Name: Zakery Anderson
State:  Ohio, 44906
Date of Passing: 07/02/2015
Date of Birth: 10/21/1991
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

My son he was a loving young man so full of life..always on top of things was even head of a department at his job watching over everyone else! He was a loving son, brother, uncle and so much more he was our ZAK

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He came home crying and said he was an addict and could not believe it...he went from a productive person to a homeless sad young man...he spent time in jail did things he was not proud of...the addiction took over his life.

What Made Them Smile?

family, his little sister Tori...making money working hard made him happy...he loved his family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his voice..his smile..and most of all I miss my Zak's big bear hugs..

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you so so much...I am so sorry I couldn't help you and I wish I would of known know what I do...I miss you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/04/23 - Bob Glatfelter - Age 28 yrs - Dover, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Vickie Glatfelter - Parent

Name: Bob Glatfelter
State:  Pennsylvania, 17315
Date of Passing: 04/23/2014
Date of Birth: 02/11/1986
Age: 28 

Tell Us About Them:

Bob was my oldest child and only son. He was a fun loving, quite and shy individual. He had a contagious smile and twinkling eyes. Growing up he played baseball, basketball and football. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a great father to his son, Keylin and a wonderful brother to his sister, Kayla. He loved to hunt and fish. He was happiest sitting by a body of water with a fishing rod in his hand.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Bob began experimenting with drugs in his later years of high school, starting with marijuana and eventually prescription pills. Once his addiction began to spiral out of control and he couldn't afford the pills he turned to heroin. Once he went down that road there was no turning back. It robbed him of his soul and it robbed me of my son.

What Made Them Smile?

His son made him smile. Keylin was his heart and soul. Even through his darkest times, he never turned his back on his son. He gave all he had to him, up until his last breath.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his smile and our talks. I miss seeing him become a great parent and do things with his son that I know he treasured from his childhood. I miss hearing him calling me "mother" when I knew he wanted something, or just his big hug with the words "It will be okay Mom. I love you."

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I tried to save you but I couldn't fix you. I miss you so much, but I know you will live forever in my heart. I will never give up the fight to help those still struggling. I wish you didn't have to go, but your passing gave me a voice and a purpose to help others, and I know you are standing beside me all the way. I love you my baby boy.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/06/01 - Duane Franzone - Age 34 yrs - Selden, New York

Submitted by: Richard Franzone - Parent

Name: Duane Franzone
State:  New York, 11784
Date of Passing: 6-1-2015
Date of Birth: 7-29-1980
Age: 34 

Tell Us About Them:

12 years United state Aireforce Veteran. Wonderful Person

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Struggled with addition for 7 years.

What Made Them Smile?

Music and his Daughter Adrianna.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I'll meet you in Heaven Son. Just not ready yet. Stay strong Duane. Love you Pop's

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

04/07/2015 - Paul Garcia II - Age 29 yrs - Woodhaven, Michigan

Submitted by: Angel Martin - Parent

Name: Paul Garcia II
State:  Michigan, 48183
Date of Passing: 04/07/2015
Date of Birth: 11/04/1985
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

He was a gifted student. He had the biggest heart and would give you literally the shirt off his back. He loved scary movies. He loved his family.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

At 15 a friend's mother injected him and 3 other teenagers with heroin, taught them how and where to buy. ( We lived in North Warren and she taught them how to take the bus to Detroit). That was how it all began. The last 15 years have been Rehab's, in patient, out patient. Dr after Dr. Jail and prison in another state. His girlfriend died on 01/07/15 and he couldn't save her. On April 7, 2015 he went to buy Heroin and got pure fentynl instead.

What Made Them Smile?

Messing with me. Making others laugh. Pretty girl's.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile. His hugs and most of all hearing him say " I love you Mom". He was my only child.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you more and more every day. Please visit me let me know your OK.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/05/19 - Nathan Motley - Age 24 yrs - Springfield, Illinois

Submitted by: Connie Cooper - Parent

Name: Nathan Motley
State:  Illinois, 62702
Date of Passing: 5/19/15
Date of Birth: 5/19/91
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Nathan "Nate" is my oldest child. He was always good kid growing up, played baseball and had a great sense of humor. His talent in life was to make others laugh and to make them feel good about themselves. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He enjoyed all kinds of music and working on computers. His favorite teams included the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Nate struggled with painkillers after high school (after having his wisdom teeth removed). I had him in rehab 2x, but these places didn't really make anything better. He struggled with anxiety and depression, so he self-medicated. At the time of his death, I was unaware he had been using heroin or ever even tried it. Even though he was a good kid, he did lie and let his addiction control his personality at times. I can see how conflicted he was when he wanted to not be an addict.

What Made Them Smile?

Nate's family and friends made him smile. He loved listening to music and truly enjoyed finding new music.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss him with every ounce of my life. I miss his laugh. I miss him making me laugh.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I'm sorry Nate I didn't understand your addiction. I am so sorry I treated you like a healthy person making bad decisions and not like a sick person needing more help. I love you so much son. I seriously do not know how to live without you!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/04/25 - Nathaniel Gerdes - Age 21 yrs - East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Jada Gerdes - Parent

Name: Nathaniel Gerdes
State:  Pennsylvania, 15112
Date of Passing: 04/25/2015
Date of Birth: 6/3/1993
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Nathaniel was very talented and intelligent. He played guitar. ...he played guitar so good his tutor told him there was nothing else he could teach. He learned to play keyboard by himself. Recorded beats and made songs. Most of all he was a hard worker. He never knew how handsome and great he was....forever doubting himself. He had a awkwardness about him that I miss...but most of all he was himself....tooted the beat of his own drum. He loved music all kinds. I never thought we ever would have been in this situation.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Well.....I went to college in 2011 and started smoking pot and drinking regularly. Joined a fraternity started doing pills. ...July 2012 started sniffing heroin. In August i got my first dui....was put on academic probation. (In October we made him withdraw from college.) February 2013 started working at subway and buying benzos/opiates regularly. August regularly used heroin and klonopin and anything else I could get my hands on. While on probation for my dui someone called the police on me because I was wondering in someone's yard high off ambien and alcohol. My girlfriend of 3yrs broke up with me due to my increased drug use. A week later I overdosed on fentanyl and klonopin in front of my whole neighborhood and nearly died. I acknowledged I had a problem and attended rehab. December...after rehab had back problems stayed away from opiates as much as I could. Then I was prescribed pain killers and muscle relaxers which my mom doled out to me at first. Christmas eve I took my meds and a heavy dose of klonopin went to work and was sent home. I decided to go to the food court and get something to eat and passed out in my food. I was taken to the hospital and sent to a psychiatric center because my mom 302ed me. I spent Christmas there these increased episodes caused a rift between me and my family coming close to them not supporting me any more. March 2014 after the center I slowed down everything. ..however I tried to quit myself without treating the underlying symptoms. One night I took my dad's truck that wasn't working right to buy heroin because my back hurt. I decided to turn around and head home but my tire was off and sparking me being high I didn't think there was nothing wrong when the cops stopped me. Second dui and a month in jail because my parents would not let me come home. Second rehab I attended and my parents were there by my side. ....... These words were written by Nathaniel himself. ...I pick up the story from there ....he did pretty good we brought him things that we thought would keep him busy, recording equipment, fixed his guitar, brought him books, took him with us everywhere

What Made Them Smile?

Fruit snacks!!!! Nice cars!! South Park! And most of all spending time with his family and friends.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything! I miss his awkwardness, the pacing and telling us all about his day. He always asked me how my day was. He had a funny little giggle after he said a sentence. The list could go on and on. ....the things you take for granted.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you! If I get to see you again I will slap you silly and give you the biggest hug! You've left us heartbroken!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

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2014/9/20 - Alexander Kratka - Age 24 yrs - Delray Beach, Florida

Submitted by: Melissa Friedman - Sibling

Name: Alexander Kratka
State:  Florida, 33446
Date of Passing: 9/20/2014
Date of Birth: 1/19/1990
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Alex was extremely intelligent, witty, original, inventive, articulate, passionate and had a heart of gold. He was loyal, loving and honorable.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Alex started abusing drugs in high school by his early twenties benzodiazepines and then opiates, ultimately he died from smoking heroin cut with fentanyl. He hid his struggle and addiction from family and friends. The first and only time he entered rehab was 7 months before he died. We had no idea the severity of his addiction. He was living with me, his older sister at the time of his relapse and death.

What Made Them Smile?

A good joke, a great movie, a good steak, winning, a nice car.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Every single fiber of his mind, body and spirit!

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

You were and always will be one of the greatest joys life could ever give me. I've always loved you unconditionally!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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2014/11/28 - Matthew Wells - Age 29 yrs - Greenwood Lake, New York

Submitted by: Eileen Wells - Parent

Name: Matthew Wells
State:  New York, 10925
Date of Passing: 11/28/2014
Date of Birth: 11/13/1985
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

Matthew was kind, sensitive, and compassionate. He loved computers, and loved playing around making websites and playing on the internet. He was admin to many addiction help facebook groups. He was quiet, and shy, but loved to laugh. He had a childlike quality about him.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Matthew sturggled for over 10 years with addiction. He began using oxycontin, and the past 7 or 8 years it was heroin. He went to Florida in 2008, and spent 4 years down there shuffling between treatment centers, halfway houses, and had some arrests. He was in 5 treatment centers in his four years. A few of them were for 3+ months at a time. He OD'd in 2012, and spent a week on a ventilator and suffered some minor brain injuries as a result of the OD. I brought him home to NY where he relapsed. He began the Vivitrol shot, and was doing good for over a year. But an old friend from his hometown got in touch with him, and within a month, he succombed to his addiction.

What Made Them Smile?

Matthew had a silly sense of humor, so he was easy to make smile. And Chinese buffet dinners was a favorite for him as well.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about him.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I don't know if I could ever think of one thing I would say, but if I had to it would be that I loved him unconditionally. And I tried so very hard to help him. But I realize that it was he who had to save himself.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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2015/08/08 - Andrea Wolf - Age 30 yrs - Nesconset, New York

Submitted by: Rosann Wolf - Parent

Name: Andrea Wolf
State:  New York, 11767
Date of Passing: 08/08/2015
Date of Birth: 08/04/1985
Age: 30 

Tell Us About Them:

Loved family parties, music, tattoos, writing.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Never gave up trying to stay free. Did everything she could, rehabs, therapy, medication.

What Made Them Smile?

Her nieces and nephews, especially her Goddaughter.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her beautiful smile, laugh and her hugs. Watching tv together.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

You are loved more than you could ever imagine.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.