Heroin Support Blog

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 

2/19/2014 - Jacob Heider - Age 26 yrs - Wisconsin

Submitted by: Lori Blum - Parent

Name: Jacob Heider
State:  Wisconsin, 53563
Date of Passing: 2/19/2014
Date of Birth: 9/21/1987
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

I always remember from birth on, he was a happy baby. Had a soft spot for anyone who was hurting. Handed out hugs even if you weren't a hugger. Loved to make people smile. Said if you can make on person laugh a day, his day was worth it! Always was singing something. And loved to dance tho he had two left feet! He could never sit still..always into something or headed out the door. Never was selfish until his addiction took over. Always watched over me making sure I was taken care of, wanted momma happy.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

My ex and I divorced when Jacob was 2. His dad was into drugs so Jacob saw things he should never have seen. He smoked pot at the age of 9. Didn't like to drink but did because " everyone is doing it"! I believe around 14, he tried cocaine. But moved forward fast to prescription drugs. OxyContin being his choice. His girlfriend moms medicine cabinet being the prime location. He didn't finish high school, but went to Wisconsin teen challenge academy and excelled . Got his GED, awards galore. I always said he was a product of his environment. But as soon as he came back home, it wasn't long before he was back at it. I believe heroin came in the picture after he finished boot camp . He joined the Army, graduated , and they stationed him in Hawaii. He lasted a little over a year and got kicked out, served jail time and came home. From that moment on, I knew I lost my son. For 3 years, I had him in 4 different rehabs, the last in California ...he made it 7 months, left, and the night he left od'd in a hotel room all by himself on sunset Blvd.

What Made Them Smile?

Music! And his beautiful little girl.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Hearing him sing...his voice...hearing him say " I love you mom" . Talking to him about everything...but most of all, his hugs! Made my day a lot brighter when he hugged me.

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

Oh, how hard this one is! Cause I have so many things I would love to say before I would say...Honey, if your life on earth was meant to be played out as it did, then you are where you are to be. I could never watch you suffer , as you did, for a lifetime. No matter how selfish I want to be, he is not hurting anymore!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

2015/04/26 - Caitlin Cadden - Age 23 yrs - Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Dorothy Cadden - Parent

Name: Caitlin Cadden
State:  Pennsylvania, 17361
Date of Passing: 04-26-2015
Date of Birth: 09-06-1991
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Caitlin was my youngest and only daughter. She was my best friend. We did many things together and I miss her dearly. She was a champion of people. She would lend a listening ear to anyone who needed one.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

I truly believe that the first time Cait tried Herion she had no idea of its highly addictive components. She was out of her realm of understanding. A teen ager testing the limits. In high school she did not do drugs or attend parties. It was not until senior week that it began.

What Made Them Smile?

Cait loved animals and especially her Cat Harley. She was also attracted to the children in the room she was a natural with them.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I desperately miss her company and kind heart. She is missed by many. Their is a hole in our large Catholic family.

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

That I love her no matter what. That her relapse would have been just a set back that we would have continued to fight by her side. Not enabling but fighting.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/11/12 - Paul Doughty - Age 28 yrs - East Syracuse, New York

Submitted by: Mary Duck - Parent

Name: Paul Doughty
State:  New York, 13057
Date of Passing: 11/12/15
Date of Birth: 5/16/87
Age: 28 

Tell Us About Them:

Funniest, charming and cutest kid who captured EVWEYBODYS heart !!!!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Paul started using pot & alcohol at around 12 years old. He advanced to psychodelics, acid, narcotics, meth, Molly, cocaine and heroin. ABYTHING to alter his mind !!!!

What Made Them Smile?

Christmas,dogs, family and comedians !! He was the jokester at all events !

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss Pauls laughter, poking fun of me, his hair, tattoos, and most of all his beautiful face !!!!!

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

What made you soo unhappy ??

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

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.

2015/01/31 - Dylan Pearson - Age 19 yrs - Saint Francis, Minnesota

Submitted by: Jennifer Nordeen - Parent

Name: Dylan Pearson
State:  Minnesota, 55070
Date of Passing: 1/31/2015
Date of Birth: 2/13/1995
Age: 19 

Tell Us About Them:

Dylan Bradley Pearson , born 2/13/1995, passed away on 1/31/2015 from a heroin overdose, after a 3 year struggle with addiction.

Dylan was my only child, and a great kid who still had so much to do. His life was cut short because currenlty we do not have proper treatment centers regulations that are needed to change lives. Our young adults between the ages of 18 - 25 have become the biggest concern, our nation has never seen an epidemic of this magtitude. Something has to be done and in honor of Dylan, we will continue to push forward. If you are looking for resources or have suggestions, please call us! All efforts are appreciated!

Here is some of Dylans story, through his battle of addiction:

March 11st, 2013 was the day that I found out my son, Dylan Bradley Pearson, 19 and my only child was using heroin. By the time I found out, heroin had already gotten its grip on him. It was the beginning of my worst nightmare.

Over the next year, he had gained 2 felony charges due to his heroin addiction. He was in 3 different treatment centers. In May of 2014, while he was IN a treatment center, which he was furloughed to, I received a phone call from one of his friends that he had overdosed and was in the Emergency Room. Worst drive of my life was to the hospital not knowing if he was alive. But luckily, he was. He survived this overdose. He was taken to jail 36 hours after he got there, and brought to jail for 30 days. 

He got out and began the same routine, as much as we tried to help, or keep him home, there was nothing we could do. We went to the extreme such as sitting in front of his room, and I had to get up for a minute and my husband went into the other room to take a call, and he went running out the back door. There was nothing that we could do. I never gave him money, but I did let him live at home. I talked to him every single day, and he did not want to live like that anymore. There was not a talk we had that I didn’t tell him how much I loved him. 

In October of 2014, Dylan agreed to go to Florida for treatment. So on October 10th, he boarded a plane to Florida. He didn’t want to be there from the get go, as his long time girlfriend lived here in Elk River, so he wanted to get back home. He walked out of the first center he was in and I refused to bring him home. So he partied for a few days in a hotel with some other kids that got kicked out for using. He then went to a halfway house down there until he then got himself into another center down there in which he completed. He received his completion certificate on January 17th, 2015.

He was 90 days clean.

I picked him up at the airport at 1am, and he didn’t know Jazmin, his girlfriend, was going to be with me. When I opened the door, she popped out; I have literally never seen Dylan so happy. He cried, he wanted to be home.

Dylan tried so hard but the first week, he fell back again. He went to court, and was going to be on probation, and seemed to be ok again. On the afternoon of January 30th, a friend of his called him to get rid of the rest of the dope he had before he went into treatment. I could tell he was high when I got home from work, but he hung out with me all night, and we had fun. He seemed fine when I told him I loved him and went to bed about 12:45. 

Dylan went to bed, and never woke up. 

He died January 31st, 2015.

In his bed.

In our house. In his room.

The blood curdling scream from my husband is one that rings in my head daily. Our worst nightmare had come true.

My only child is dead. 

I don’t remember much about that day, but I do know that my life will never be the same again. Every day when I walk into my house, his shoes are still where he had them and his jacket on the banister where he left it. He will never have our midnight snacks we had together, every night for years. Dylan and I were very close, and we talked 10 times a day on the phone, and 1000 texts from me, making sure he was ok. He will never have the chance to get married, and have kids, and travel, and do all of the things that a 19 year old should be doing. 

Dylan was so funny. He was quiet, but when he did talk, he was funny. He and I always knew what each other was thinking, and we talked, good talks, all the time. Jazmin and him had been together since they were 13. She was the love of his life. They were best friends. Dylan had so many friends that cared for him, and have so many stories that I still hear every day.

He was a good athlete, loyal, handsome and genuine. I cannot put into words the pain that this has caused me and my family. My mission has now become to help others get into treatment, and help change the system we currently have. This drug has killed too many young men and women, and I fought this fight with him the entire was through his addiction. Some days I keep thinking that I will wake up and this is all a dream. 
Lets do all we can to help them get the help they need, break the stigma, and make some changes. 

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

What Made Them Smile?

His girlfriend Jazmin

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?

Love you again

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

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