Heroin Support Blog

07/24/2015 - Curtis Johnson - Age 46 yrs - Washington

Submitted by: Susan Johnson - Friend

Name: Curtis Johnson
State:  Washington, 98626
Date of Passing: 07/24/2015
Date of Birth: 06/20/1969
Age: 46 

Tell Us About Them:

Curtis loved to make people laugh even when he was down and out, he loved to fish!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Curtis struggled with addiction for many years! He relapsed after being clean for 7 months!

What Made Them Smile?

Being with the ones he loved

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about my husband

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

I love you and miss you I can't wait till we're together again

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

11/15/2015 - Tad Hyde - Age 41 yrs - Ohio

Submitted by: Leslie Smith - Sibling

Name: Tad Hyde
State:  Ohio, 45506
Date of Passing: 11/15/2015
Date of Birth: 1/18/1973
Age: 41 

Tell Us About Them:

My brother was always good for a laugh and a prayer. He loved his family, including his 10 year old daughter, more than anything. He was crazy smart and there was not alot of things he couldn't do.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Tad struggled with addiction most of his adult life. In 2012 his addictions got the best of him and he landed himself in a 3 year prison sentence. He used that time to obtain his associates degree in addiction services and planed to continue his education on his release. He thought if he could take all the lessons he has learned from his struggles as an addict to help one person, then he has not wasted his life. He also took numerous patenting classes in anticipation of reestablishing a relationship with his daughter. He was released from prison to a sober living house on November 10, 2015. Five short days later on November 15, he was found dead in the bathroom at the sober house he was staying out. Heroin killed my brother.

What Made Them Smile?

His family, mostly his daughter, but he was also very close to my mom and I.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything.

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

That I love him and even though sometimes I get angry and curse him for leaving us I forgive him. I know this was not something he could control. I will try my hardest to take care of Hope and make sure she has a good relationship with our family.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Feb.7, 2015 - Jacob Sibley - Age 25 yrs - Louisiana

Submitted by: Caryn Stanley - Parent

Name: Jacob Sibley 
State:  Louisiana, 71378
Date of Passing: Feb.7, 2015
Date of Birth: Sept.18, 1989
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Jacob was a good hearted, fun loving, son,brother and father. He lite up a room when he entered. He loved spending time with his family.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Jacob started misusing pain pills and Xanax when he was around 16 years old. I'm not really sure when he switched to herion. He ended up in jail on traffic related charges. He was released and 6 days later, died of an overdose. That is when I found out he was snorting herion.

What Made Them Smile?

Jacob's son made him smile the biggest.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss him making the trip to come visit me. I miss his phone calls, just to say I love you mom. I miss his hugs and our talks.

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

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I wasn't there to save you. I love you and miss you dearly.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

9-10-15 - April Chavez - Age 26 yrs - Ohio

Submitted by: Thomas Montgomery - Sibling

Name: April Chavez
State:  Ohio, 43211
Date of Passing: 9-10-15
Date of Birth: 3-26-89
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Young mother of 3 field with love

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Fight along time in just got clean in had a relapse

What Made Them Smile?

Me in kids

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her smile her lough in knowing how muched we loved each other

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

I love you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

12/12/2015 - Travis Henderson - Age 31 yrs - Ohio

Submitted by: Karen Smith - Friend

Name: Travis Henderson
State:  Ohio, 45036
Date of Passing: 12/12/2015
Date of Birth: 05/23/1984
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

Travis was Loving, beautiful, giving, had a heart of gold and a smile that would stop traffic

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Travis struggled for years with heroin addiction especially after his dad died.

What Made Them Smile?

His 2 daughters

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His funny antics

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

I love you nephew

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

08/23/2015 - Russell Helmer - Age 36 yrs - Michigan

Submitted by: jessica franz - Friend

Name: Russell Helmer
State:  Michigan, 48111
Date of Passing: 08/23/2015
Date of Birth: 07/11/1979
Age: 36 

Tell Us About Them:

Russell was someone who had it all he was so so smart he could do and fix anything and had good looks too. There wasnt anything he couldnt do. Russell was just amazing in my eyes.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Russell struggled with addiction his last ten years of life he had many years off and on being sober and vice versa before he passed he hadnt used heroin in almost a year it was a constant battle for his sobriety but i fought it with him tried to help in every way i knew how

What Made Them Smile?

his children and fixing things

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

i miss him in my everyday life just everything about him he has left the biggest void in my life he had the best sense of humor he was so loving he was amazing with his children

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

russell glenn i will love you till the day i die you will always be my one and only

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

10/11/2015 - Julian Nicholas Nava - Age 26 yrs

Submitted by: Diane Fonseca - Parent

Name: Julian Nicholas Nava
State:  California, 91606
Date of Passing: 10/11/2015
Date of Birth: 122788
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Loved his family.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

The hardest thing as a parent having to see your child struggle addiction

What Made Them Smile?

His son

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss my sons voice...and smile...

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

I love you so much son.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

09/15/2015 - Nathaniel Smith - Age 26 yrs - New York

Submitted by: Deb Smith - Parent

Name: Nathaniel Smith
State:  New York, 14220
Date of Passing: 09/15/2015
Date of Birth: 04/24/1989
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Nathaniel was brilliant, creative and kindhearted.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He had kidney stones. In 2011-2012 he had kidney stones, his gall bladder removed, got hir by a car when he was on his bicycle and had his wisdom teeth removed. He became addicted to pain medication while following the prescription recommedations. He continued to get kidney stones. He was released from the hopspital one week before he died, with no medically-managed withdraw plan.

What Made Them Smile?

Comedy shows brought out the heartiest laugh for Nathaniel. He smiled at people, food and the small things I would pick up for him. He smiled at me his entire life.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His unconditional love, his kind treatment of others and his beautiful brown eyes. His voice and calm demeanor. His hearty laugh.

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

I adore you. I loved you before you wrer born and I will love you with every breath in my body. I'm so sorry I couldn't save you. I'm sorry others didn't treat you better.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

02/23/2015 - Norman Willis - Age 25 yrs - Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Serena Serio - Friend

Name: Norman Willis
State:  Pennsylvania, 17331
Date of Passing: 02/23/2015
Date of Birth: 03/19/1989
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

James was a true southern gentleman. He was the sweetest, and he worked so hard. No matter what was going on, he was always able to make me laugh. He was smart and ambitious.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled with addiction for most of his life, starting at the age of 13. He was addicted to anything you could imagine. Pills and heroin were his main drug but he would do anything he could get his hands on. He did not have much clean time.

What Made Them Smile?

The though of his daughter in Tennessee and the thought of having a second chance at being a daddy with our little girl. His smile was infectious.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about him. I miss his smile, his laugh, the way he used to call me baby girl, when he would call me as soon as I got off of work and talked to me the whole hour it took me to get home, when he would call me when the weather was bad and talk to me the entire time I was driving to make sure I was ok, the way he touched my stomach when I became pregnant with his child. I miss him so very, very much.

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

I love you. I may not have always showed it, but I do. I always will. I know you would be an amazing daddy to our little girl and I am so proud to be your fiance. Thank you for the best year of my life.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org

06/23/15 - Kevin Cascio - Age 23 yrs - Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Kim Cascio - Parent

Name: Kevin Cascio
State:  Pennsylvania, 17551
Date of Passing: 06/23/15
Date of Birth: 11/10/1991
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Kevin was very compassionate, especially to children, elderly and dogs. He had an amazing insight into people in general and always stuck up for the underdog. Kevins heart was huge! He loved his family and would always tell us , thats why it hurts soooooo much.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Kevin was such a sensitive child which was good and bad. WHen he turn 16 his Dad almost died and kevin struggled with all the emotions which started the spiral effect into drugs starting with marijuana. Kevin came to us days after trying this realizing he liked it to much and said he couldn't stop. Even though we got him counseling right away. It just spiraled out of control with one drug and one rehab after another. Finally getting a dual diagnosis of depression and anxiety which helped for a time once he got on the some meds. But even that didn't last. Kevin was always open and honest about his struggle when he was sober. He would say that for whatever reason all the love in the world can't touch the darkness he struggles with on a daily bases.

What Made Them Smile?

Kevin LOVED his dog Zoe. She was the light of his life. As well as Kevin sister Nicole, they were very close.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss Kevins BIG bear hugs and the way he would just come in and snuggle asking for his back to be scratched . His deep voice tell me he loved me and his helpfulness.

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

I love you more than life itself! xx

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

07/31/2014 - Matthew Cassagio - Age 07 yrs - New York

Submitted by: Ellen Weinstein - Parent

Name: Matthew Cassagio
State:  New York, 11725
Date of Passing: 07/31/2014
Date of Birth: 07/11/1995
Age: 19 

Tell Us About Them:

Matthew was the youngest brother to 3 sisters who all loved and cherished each other. He made me laugh and smile everyday. Strong with a loving sweetness that melted my heart at every turn. Loved his family, faith, football and friends. He is missed every second of the day

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Matthew had colitis and believed pot alienated his pain. From there he explored , ultimately using heroin with fentanyl that killed him

What Made Them Smile?

His friends, his car, our puppy Maggie , his sisters and Matt and I always laughed . His smile was big, his big green eyes lit up

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his strong hugs, the sound of his voice saying I love you. I miss rubbing his back at night and just sitting quietly and talking. I miss all of him

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

I would say I'm sorry I failed you Matt. You were my responsibility and I lost you. I love you more than you will ever know. I miss you terribly.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

08/25/2015 - Kim Ferline - Age 45 yrs - Ohio

Submitted by: Bette Jones - Friend

Name: Kim Ferline
State:  Ohio, 44431
Date of Passing: 08/25/2015
Date of Birth: 02/09/70
Age: 45 

Tell Us About Them:

A loving heart

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Tried so hard to overcome addictions

What Made Them Smile?

Her 2 sons

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Not being able to help her

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

You are so loved

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

03/21/2015 - Alyssa Anderson - Age 24 yrs

Submitted by: Annette Renk - Parent

Name: Alyssa Anderson
State:  Wisconsin, 53597
Date of Passing: 03/21/2015
Date of Birth: 10-07-1990
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Alyssa was a beautiful spirit, a nature lover, animal lover, and wanted to take care of and love any creature that most others would think unloveable. She had a great and quirky sense of humor and loved to read.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Alyssa had struggles and incidents in her life that I believe contributed to her addictive tendencies. She struggled with alcohol, pain medication and heroin abuse. We attempted to get her help, but she refused to admit her problem. She did go to a 6 week treatment program prior to her passing, but overdosed within 2 days of her return home. I found her...worst moment of my life, the image will be in my mind forever.

What Made Them Smile?

Her love, Mason, playing in the rain, her kitty Nico, and finding quirky things at thrift and antique stores. Such a silly girl!

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her voice...she would call me Maja, I miss that. She would laugh, and say I sounded like a hooker when I would walk in clunky noisy boots or heels! Her goofy sense of humor, and thrift shopping with her. She was special!

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

I'm sorry, I wish I had done more sooner, I love you SO much!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

10/11/2015 - Adam Turgeon - Age 27 yrs

Submitted by: Lisa Fifty - Parent

Name: Adam Turgeon
State:  New Hampshire, 03103
Date of Passing: 10/11/2015
Date of Birth: 10/3/1988
Age: 27 

Tell Us About Them:

Most caring, loving guy you'd ever meet, he was my 2nd child out of 5...had the cutest curly hair as a baby, he was always happy and go lucky...had so much going for him.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Adam's struggle intensified after the loss of his 16 year old little brother in 2006 in a car accident, he never got over it and dealt with his pain in this manner.

What Made Them Smile?

His daughter Rylie

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Miss his smile and sense of humor

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

Shouldn't of happened :(

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org    www.HeroinSupport.org 

06/16/2014 - Melissa Lorentz - Age 33 yrs - California

Submitted by: Donna Tate - Parent

Name: Melissa Lorentz
State:  California, 92585
Date of Passing: 06/16/2014
Date of Birth: 07/18/80
Age: 33 

Tell Us About Them:

Miss was a very caring loving person. Always very thoughtful never forgot a birthday or an event and always sent a card. Melissa was very crafty she was a bow maker.She made very elaborate hair bows.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Her addiction started with prescription drugs. It was a battle that changed who she was.

What Made Them Smile?

Her daughter Allie was her world. She loved the holidays. And participating in Allies activities.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about her. Her presence, her laugh, her just always being here.

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

First I'd say I love you. Then I'm sorry if I've ever hurt you. I hope you know how much I love you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

5/6/15 - David Feldt - Age 23 yrs - New York

Submitted by: David Feldt - Parent

Name: David Feldt
State:  New York, 11590
Date of Passing: 5/6/15
Date of Birth: 4/23/92
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

David is the youngest of three children.He was a character since early childhood.We always thought he would be the family comedian.He was an awesome son and friend.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

We didnt realize he was doing Heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

a joke no matter how bad.or just busting his chops.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

We miss everything about him.

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

We love you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

12/3/14 - Cory Hecht - Age 26 yrs

Submitted by: Robyn Hecht - Parent

Name: Cory Hecht
State:  Missouri, 63026
Date of Passing: 12/3/14
Date of Birth: 1/14/88
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Cory was my everything! He loved skateboarding, music and his cat Miley.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Cory struggled with addictions from age 12 with different substances. He became addicted to heroin at the age of 18 after we made him leave home due to his lack of following house rules and lack of respect due to his many addictions. We allowed him to return home several times only to find him using drugs again. He went into rehab numerous times without success. We finally relocated him to our cabin out of town and financially helped him out only to find out he again had relapsed on heroin. We had just helped him to detox over Thanksgiving in 2014 and he passed away to a fatel overdose of heroin laced with fentenayl. We were on our way to the lake to see him when we received the dreaded call he was deceased. Our lives changed in that instant, never to be the same again.

What Made Them Smile?

His friends, his cat Miley, his parents and his X box games.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His beautiful smile and hugs when he knew I was upset and sad.

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

I LOVE YOU!!!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

07/07/2015 - Dillon Wentz - Age 23 yrs - Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Donna Miller - Parent

Name: Dillon Wentz
State:  Pennsylvania, 17331
Date of Passing: 07/07/2015
Date of Birth: 09/11/1991
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Dillon loved having fun. Especially if it involved Ava, his niece, she had him wrapped around her little finger. Sports of any kind were Dillons other favorite thing, He would play or watch pretty much any sport but was a lifelong Raiders fan!! He had such a big heart, he was everyone's friend,whether he knew you or not.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Dillon struggled after his brother died, not from drugs, and ended up using heroin. Countless rehabs and jail terms and we thought we were finally on the right tract. Almost 6 months clean, I guess it called him one more time.

What Made Them Smile?

His niece, Ava

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laugh! His giggle just made you laugh too.

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

I love you but what the hell were you thinkin?????

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

01/27/2012 - Deja Hale - Age 28 yrs - Colorado

Submitted by: Jeannie Larsen - Parent

Name: Deja Hale
State:  Colorado, 80909
Date of Passing: 01/27/2012
Date of Birth: 07/11/1983 
Age: 28 

Tell Us About Them:

Deja cared more about others than herself. She knew how to love selflessly. She was going to College to become a Dental Assistant, and wanted to work in a children's dental office, because she loved kids so much.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Deja had many struggles throughout her life that lead to self medicating. She dealt with being bi-sexual, depression, and weight issues. People were not always very nice to her.

What Made Them Smile?

Doing something for someone else. I remember her last Christmas when she walked into the apartment with a fake Christmas tree that someone was getting rid of. She was so happy to have gotten a tree for us. I will never forget that smile.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her friendship. She was loyal to me above all things. I miss her hugs and her voice. I miss her smile.

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

You are so beautiful, my sweet amazing baby girl. I love you so much.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

08/01/2013 - James Erickson - Age 37 yrs - Washington

Submitted by: Monica Erickson - Spouse

Name: James Erickson
State:  Washington, 98337
Date of Passing: 08/01/2013
Date of Birth: 01/20/76
Age: 37 

Tell Us About Them:

He was a amazing as a father to our 3beautiful daughters,My amazing fiance of 13 years

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

When we we both were in recovery and fell in love,He had many terms of staying clean,His longest was 7 yrs,He wanted it,Just could not get the grasp of it,He was very loved by the recovery Groups,Seen as A mentor,Played and sober softball for many yrs prior to Jim's death,

What Made Them Smile?

His family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything

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

GONE FROM OUR LIVE FOREVER, never GONE FROM OUR Hearts!!!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org