Heroin Support Blog

12/0715 - Steven Walsh - Age 31 yrs - Michigan

Submitted by: Connie DeMetsenare - Parent

Name: Steven Walsh
State:  Michigan, 48088
Date of Passing: 12/0715
Date of Birth: 11/04/84
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

Steven Walsh was more than a death certificate, Steve was bigger than life.
I knew this day was coming, I have been battling to keep him alive for the past 5 years. I went on the roller coaster ride of his life, as a mother, it is your job to keep your children safe.
I realized that night that my life has forever changed. I have spent the last 5 years with only one goal. Keeping him alive. I have neglected my family, my home, my job, my friends and myself.
Steve loved, passionately. If you were his friend, you were his friend. It didn't matter what color you were, what sexual preference you had, what you did for a living. He loved you.
His legacy is that everyone is different, everyone has a worth and everyone was worthy of love. Period.
I grieve for my son, I grieve for his friends, his children, but mostly I grieve for what he could have been.
Steve was more than just a bipolar drug addict. He was my son. He was a brother, a father, a friend. He was a fellow human that felt pain and happiness and he was too much for this world.
Your energy is back to the cosmos, Steve. Fly free. Rest your head and feel the love you have left behind.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Steve had been off and on heroin for years, he would get off of it and then something would happen and right back to it he ran. His last few months alive, he overdosed multiple times, barely surviving each one. Until the last... God, I miss him so much!

What Made Them Smile?

Steve was a performer, he loved his craft and loved to make people feel his energy. He loved to challenge your thoughts on different subjects and would debate for hours on anything. He loved science; he had an incredible brain.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything. There is not one thing more important than the other. I will say I miss his voice, his love he showed me daily.

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

This is hard to answer, we are Atheist, and therefore do not believe in angels.
I don't have to say anything else to him, we said it all before he died. We both knew this day was coming, we talked at great lengths about it. I am comfortable that all that needed to be said was said.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2015/08/25 - Alyssa Maluski - Age 21 yrs - New Britain, Connecticut

Submitted by: Dean Maluski - Parent

Name: Alyssa Maluski
State:  Connecticut, 06051
Date of Passing: 08/25/2015
Date of Birth: 05/31/1994
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Alyssa was a fairly quiet child. Right from the start it amazed us that she didn’t complain too much, no sleepless nights trying to get the little one to sleep. When we tucked her into bed she would cuddle in and as we turned out the lights saw a happy content face drifting off to sleep.  As a young child when grandma would come to visit she would bring presents for her grandkids. Alyssa would not harp grandma with expectation or excitement, instead she would patiently wait for her gift but show appreciation when she got it.

When she was in her adolescence she let her grades slip. We knew she was very smart but couldn’t seem to get her motivated in school. Midway through high school she had an awakening on her own and decided to start trying and oh boy did she. Through junior and senior years she maintained a 4.0 average, even taking a few extra credits to make up for her poor grades earlier in her high school graduating on the honor roll in 2012. From junior year onward she bonded very closely with her dad and we had many good times talking well into the night on various subjects.

While a senior in high school she got a job at a pizza shop. She ran the counter and as she gained more experience the owner who was very busy with family and another job in a large part let her run the business. I used to tell her she could own her own pizza shop someday. Her response was “No Way, it’s too hot in the kitchen and I don’t want to smell like pizza all the time.” I agreed with her since she had great ability I knew she could do great things once she gained her education.

Alyssa had a big heart, she looked out for others and would go many extra miles to see that the ones she cared about were taken care of physically and emotionally. She read a great deal and was also a deep thinker. When in a group of people she wasn’t the talker but the silent one that patiently listened. When challenged to many peoples surprise she had absorbed everything said and would speak her opinion which was generally on target with well thought accurate statements. She was very intelligent with a warm heart and very sensitive. When someone hurt her feelings she would bury her sadness so many times even though she was hurting she didn’t let it show.   Alyssa was very independent, despite her addiction near the end of her life she saw to it that she earned her own way. There was never an issue with enabling her as she asked for nothing but love. 

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Alyssa got hooked on dope in the fall of 2013. We were unaware of her addiction until she moved home in February 2014. We tried immediately to get her into rehab but she was not ready and continually dodged committing to go. In late June of 2014 she had a few felonies charges in front of her. At that time I convinced her to go to rehab in an effort to get the charges dropped. She went to rehab in Florida for 30 days. From there she went into a sober house. After several weeks she got kicked out for using. She went back into rehab until January of 2015. From there she moved in with a few friends she had made in rehab. She continued to use Heroin in Florida. In April of 2015 she moved back to CT. She and her boyfriend got jobs and lived in a hotel until late July of 2015 when they could no longer work as they were dope sick. August 1st of 2015 she went back to rehab in Florida for 30 days. She flew home on a Thursday evening in late August. Friday I gave her a ride to an AA meeting. On Saturday we let her drive herself to a meeting. She apparently went and hooked up that night. On Sunday morning she seemed like she was getting high again. I had a long conversation with her on Sunday evening about her plans, her higher power and how much we loved her and wanted a good life for her. On Monday she got a syringe. Monday evening after an NA meeting she went out for awhile with one of her sober friends. She got dropped off at home about 1 AM Tuesday August 25th. In the morning her sister went into her room to check on her an found her deceased from an overdose of heroin laced with fentanyl

What Made Them Smile?

Kittens, dogs, strawberries and ribs on the grill.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Good conversations and working on projects together.

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

We love you! Our family is struggling to carry on but it will never be the same without you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2014/01/10 - Danton Stalnaker - Age 21 yrs - Toledo, Ohio

Submitted by: Bernadean Stalnaker - Parent

Name: Danton Stalnaker
State: Ohio, 43605
Date of Passing: 1/10/2014
Date of Birth: 7/31/1992
Age: 21

Tell Us About Them:

Danton is the oldes out of my two sons, he was a good guy he worked hard and would do anything for you if you asked him. He loved his family and his friends, he also had a one of a kind sense of humor. He was love by many people.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Danton had been doing drugs since he was 17 after he graduated he moved to his dads house where his drug dealer lived across the street in his uncles house. He tried rehab but after one day they told him he had to leave because he didn't show signs of withdraw and also because of insurance. A couple months before he passed away he tried on his own to stop using but it did not work and he passed away.

What Made Them Smile?

Depending on the day and who he was with

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss him not being here every day, talking to him, telling him "I love you" and and his response back to me "I love you to mom", missing that text saying Happy mothers day mom or happy birthday mom there is so much I miss about him.

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

I love you so much miss you and wish you were still here

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

True Is Hard

How can you not see what I truly am I never wanted all this pain to be part of the plan.  I'm beat down and tired.  I remember being young and wired.  Where did it go?  I miss it more than anyone knows.  Why over the past few years has no one got to know me or at least realized that I am lonely?  I just want to be like all of you but I feel rejected and I know it wasn't anyone's intentions so how can I ask for help?  God knows how many times I've knelt with a troubled heart not knowing where to start.  I look to the skies, tears running freely from my eyes.  How could you all have overlooked these desperate cries.

Written by: Christopher M. Noonan

Shared by his mother: Kathy Noonan

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/03/01 - James Gorham - Age 29 yrs - Nashua, New Hampshire

Submitted by: Kelly Frenette - Parent

Name: James Gorham
State:  New Hampshire, 03060
Date of Passing: 03/01/2016
Date of Birth: 08/13/86
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

He had the biggest smile, he was a dad to two young girls. They were his world but because of some of his choices their mother had not allowed them visits for over a year.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Jimmy was an alcoholic, he had tried heroin twice last year and over dosed both times. He was revived both times. We talked with him several times and he assured us he would never try it again. Because of his bad choices when drinking he made the choice to let the same person give him a needle of heroin. He didn't survive this one. To make matters worse they put him outside like trash with his suitcase. Such a sad sad day

What Made Them Smile?

Everything made Jim smile but he was lonely inside.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about my son. He was a handsome, funny, good man.

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

Why? Why would you chose to let them do this after you promised me you would never do it again.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/03/27 - Mark Jack - Age 26 yrs - Hamburg, New York

Submitted by: Tricia Costantino - Parent

Name: Mark Jack
State:  New York, 14075
Date of Passing: 3/27/16
Date of Birth: 3/25/90
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Mark was funny and tried to make everyone laugh. He kind and had a huge heart. He was smart and didn't realize it. He was strong.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Mark struggled with the disease for 8 years. Many rehabs, shocks, jail time. He tried and tried but couldn't beat it.

What Made Them Smile?

When others smiled mark smiled. When he made me laugh he was thrilled

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laugh

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

I love you infinity times infinity plus 1. And everything will be OK

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/04/03 - Dennis Davy - Age 35 yrs - Superior, Wisconsin

Submitted by: Jana Sutherland - Other Family

Name: Dennis Davy
State:  Wisconsin, 54880
Date of Passing: 04/03/2016
Date of Birth: 11/18/1980
Age: 35 

Tell Us About Them:

Dennis was wonderful, caring, giving, helpful, funny...he loves sports, and especially the Chicago Bears. He was such a great person.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Dennis was diagnosed with epilepsy in elementary school, and I believe he struggled with depression soon after. It was hard for him to deal
With and get under control. I think when he got into his teenage years he started drinking, and experimenting with different drugs.

What Made Them Smile?

His dog Lily, when the Bears would win a game haha, and just being around his friends and family hanging out.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile, his laugh, and just knowing he is there if I ever wanted to call
Him or if I need him for
Something.

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

That I love him and appreciate the time I had with him, and for him always being there for me. Also, I just wish he would have reached out to me or someone for help before it got to this tragic point.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/03/06 - Nicholas Antich - Age 25 yrs - Crown Point, Indiana

Submitted by: Stacy Taylor - Parent

Name: Nicholas Antich
State:  Indiana, 46307
Date of Passing: 3-6-2016
Date of Birth: 9-3-90
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Nick was brilliant with an IQ of130. He had hopes of doing something great with his life. He wanted to be a doctor, but opted for the engineering program. He excelled in many avenues and loved history. He went away to college the fall of 2009 in Indy where he progressively dabbled in drugs, leading to heroin use. In 2014 I removed him from that environment and he struggled to find happiness in the everyday normal after being exposed to heroin. I lost my son to this horrible addiction

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Nick started using drug while he was away at IUPUI. I sent a healthy, happy boy away to college and received an addict back. He used for about a year before I found out. Once I found out, he was sent away to rehab. He came back after 45 days and was just ok and relapsed within 4 months. He again went away to rehab for the second time and came home after 3 months and appeared to do better. He started exercising, tried a vegan diet, seen his doctor and took his meds for the new diagnosis of bipolar. He even stopped smoking in December. This was not a man who wanted to do drugs. At the end of February he started experiencing stress from work and relationships, stuff that the average person could handle. For the recovering addict, it only take small amounts of stress to drive them to their comfort drug. On March 5th he went to Indy for what was suppose to be a weekend getaway with old friends and yes some were old recovering heroin addicts. He relapsed and never came home.

What Made Them Smile?

He loved his animals. They always brought comfort and love to him.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his beautiful eyes, the way he gave me hugs and kissed me and told me he loved me. I miss hearing my name come out of his mouth

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

That I love him so much

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/03/18 - Jeffrey Tarr - Age 41 yrs - Griswold, Connecticut

Submitted by: Linda Tarr - Parent

Name: Jeffrey Tarr
State:  Connecticut, 06351
Date of Passing: 03/18/2016
Date of Birth: 7/24/74
Age: 41 

Tell Us About Them:

Jeffrey brightened a room with his infectious smile! He loved children and was like one of them playing in the yard.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Jeffrey struggled with addiction at a young age. He was in and out of rehabs and sober houses many time. He was an alcoholic, but turned to heroin 8 months ago. He was in a sober house at the time of his overdose.

What Made Them Smile?

Jeffrey loved landscaping, cooking, and going to church.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss my boy coming in the door and saying "What up Mom"! His text saying "I love you"!

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

I love and miss you my boy! You were my heart and soul! I hope you are dancing in the sky with you Dad!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/04/10 - Joshua Gauthier - Age 35 yrs - Salem, Massachusetts

Submitted by: Rachel Obremski - Sibling

Name: Joshua Gauthier 
State:  Massachusetts, 01970
Date of Passing: 04/10/2016
Date of Birth: November 18, 1980
Age: 35 

Tell Us About Them:

Joshua was an extremely caring, sensitive, and dedicated father, son, brother, and grandson. Many called him a friend and knew he was someone you could rely on. His children are his pride and joy, they lit up his life. Joshua was a hard worker in all aspects of his life.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Joshua did a very good job of hiding this from us. He had us all believing he was doing well. Unfortunately this was not the case and we were all blind sided when he passed.

What Made Them Smile?

Joshua loved his children more than anything in this world and wanted nothing more than to be a dad. He loved going to his son Christian's football games and cheering on his team.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His caring personality, he cared about every person he ever met. He would do anything for anyone without even second guessing it.

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

I am so sorry you left us the way you did, I'm sorry we weren't closer at the end, I wish I could wake up from this bad dream and have you back here with us where you belong. I love you so much big brother, forever and always.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/03/13 - Darrin Lucas - Age 21 yrs - Hillsboro, Missouri

Submitted by: Jessica Barker - Spouse

Name: Darrin Lucas
State:  Missouri, 63050
Date of Passing: 03/13/2016
Date of Birth: 03/06/1995
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Darrin was the smartest person i have ever met. You could ask him any math question and he would have the right answer. He was a loving dad and fiance. His family always came first no matter what. Darrin loved spending time with his daughter. She was his whole world. He would always put a smile on anyones face. No matter if you wanted to smile or not.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Darrin has struggled with his addiction for the past three years. It started with pills, then moved on to "harder" drugs for a better "high" after we had our daughter two years ago Darrin didn't want to be a drug addict anymore. Every day he struggled with these demons he was facing. He would get clean, & "slip up". Darrin didn't know another way out of his own mind. He thought he was alone in this fight. He felt he was worthless & he wouldn't amount to anything. He was talked down to all his life he started to believe it. But to me & his daughter he was our whole world & the best person to be around. He wasn't alone in this fight. He just didn't know how to fight anymore.

What Made Them Smile?

Darrin loved to spend time with our daughter & I. Everytime she looked at him i could see him fall in love all over again. She was so priceless to him. When he was with her he could take on the world. I've never seen him as happy as i did when he held her.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss Darrins love the most. I miss seeing him dance with our daughter & is cuddling on the couch watching a scary movie & talking for hours every time. I miss him coming home & just wanting to hold us & make us laugh. I miss him big smile. I miss his perfect voice. I just miss him.

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

I wish i could tell Darrin how much i loved him & that my world is so emtpy without him. I wish i could tell him how amazing he is & what a great dad he truly was. I wish i could tell him he does have people who love him & that would give ANYTHING for a second chance.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2014/12/07 - Curt Lukens - Age 34 yrs - Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Submitted by: Debbie Lukens - Parent

Name: Curt Lukens
State:  Ohio, 44221
Date of Passing: 12/07/2014
Date of Birth: 3/271980
Age: 34 

Tell Us About Them:

We lost a sweet, caring, funny loving son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He tried desperately to overcome his addiction, seemed to succeed a couple of times. But it kept creeping back into his life. Never have we witnessed this level of frustration, so sad...

What Made Them Smile?

He was an animal advocate, he loved children and his family, sports fanatic... And was a huge fan of Batman and comic related characters.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His contageous laugh i can hear in my head... Daily! I hope it never goes away !!

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

I need to know Curt knows how much he is lived and missed! Because he believed that hecwas unloved, due to his addiction. We will never ever stop loving him and hoping to see his beautiful face again !!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2015/11/05 - Patrick McGivern - Age 29 yrs - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Patty Ranallo - Parent

Name: Patrick McGivern
State:  Pennsylvania, 15212
Date of Passing: 11/05/2015
Date of Birth: 3-27-1986
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

Patrick was so kind, thoughtful. Would do anything for anybody. Loved his family. Loved animals. Awesome manners and work ethic.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Patrick fought the disease of heroin for 7 years. Rehab and relapses, halfway houses, even being homeless. He suffered!

What Made Them Smile?

Family, friends camping and fishing. Playing his guitar.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Him. I miss him, my beautiful son!

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

I am sorry, I tried tough love and it did not work. My last words to you were, "I love you, Pat but I can not watch you kill yourself. Please son, know that I love you more than life! You were my baby, i just wanted you to stop! Forgive me! I hope you are finally happy in heaven. Gram said God took you because, you were suffering on earth. Play your guitar in heaven my beautiful son!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2014/09/18 - Josh Zunick - Age 24 yrs - Newton, Massachusetts

Submitted by: Cheri Zunick - Parent

Name: Josh Zunick
State:  Massachusetts, 02461
Date of Passing: 9/18/2014
Date of Birth: 12/21/89
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Josh was loving caring and funny

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled with Heroine

What Made Them Smile?

He always had a beautiful smile when he walked into a room he lit it up

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

He was my best friend as well as my son I miss his jokes and our long talks

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

I love you more than life itself

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2015/07/29 - Ryan Branscum - Age 27 yrs - Somerset, Kentucky

Submitted by: Tabatha Hughes - Sibling

Name: Ryan Branscum
State:  Kentucky, 42503
Date of Passing: 07/29/2015
Date of Birth: 6/28/88
Age: 27 

Tell Us About Them:

Very caring and loving!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He tried so hard in and out of rehabs,he was open with his family, but we wern't able to help.

What Made Them Smile?

His Boys, his family,baseball

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His voice, his smile, him always being there when you needed him! JUST HIM!!

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

I guess I love you is what most say but when me when you die where are you going to spend etrintey?

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

2016/02/15 - Kevin Stuhr - Age 30 yrs - La Crosse, Wisconsin

Submitted by: Sue Reinsvold - Parent

Name: Kevin Stuhr
State:  Wisconsin, 54601
Date of Passing: 02/15/2016
Date of Birth: 09/12/1985
Age: 30 

Tell Us About Them:

Kevin was a intelligent young man that always tried to act like hard ass, but had a heart of gold.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Like many he started our with pain pills gradually going to heroin. He told me every day he was clean but clearly he wasn't

What Made Them Smile?

Being out doors, hiking, friends, family, his trantula Rose, and his pit bull Lexi.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss not seeing and talking to him everyday. I miss hugging and hanging out with him. I miss everything about him.

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

I love you, I always have, and always will. I am here to help you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

09/10/2012 - Aaron Crook - Age 23 yrs - Thousand Oaks, California

Submitted by: Alison Crook - Parent

Name: Aaron Crook
State:  California, 91360
Date of Passing: 09/10/2012
Date of Birth: 08/05/1989
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Aaron was an incredibly handsome, very intelligent young man with the most beautiful smile. He had a great sense of humor.He liked to dress the part, nearly always had a baseball cap on. He was very deep, a thinker but also a worrier, worried about not having enough, not being able to "make it" in life, always scheming on how to make money! He loved animals especially his tropical fish. He had compassion for the mentally and physically handicapped and when he was young it would make him sad. On the outside he appeared to be happy, confident, his friends said he joked a lot but he was often sad and anxious- he put on a brave face.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He was an AB student doing well at school.He worked in a tropical fish shop at 13. He started smoking pot occasionally in 8th grade but we were not aware until he was a freshman.He would say he was depressed, anxious couldn't sleep and we spent many hours at different psychiatrist offices. He was in his first rehab at 14 which he absconded from. In the early years he often went missing, hanging out at other peoples houses, doing cocaine and all sorts of pills mainly opiates and benzodiazepines. He got transferred to a high school for troubled teens. During this time he was often verbally abusive and violent but when not under the influence he was great to be around. He got in trouble with the police and after a lengthy court case spent time in juvenile hall- visiting him in there was heart wrenching as he was sober and looked so out of place in there,apologizing laughing about himself. I remember, walking out into the parking lot crying thinking this could not be.

During those high school years and community college years he worked on and off. It was when he was 17/18 when at work at the tropical fish shop he was introduced to Heroin. The school would constantly ring me up to come and get him cos of some stunt or other, and once because he had a withdrawal seizure. He was injecting by the time he was 18. During these early years we and the court had him attending drug counseling , anger mgmt etc. We tried every type of love , we were angry tired and frustrated a lot of the time. Both of us worked full time in professional jobs myself as a nurse working nights existing on 3-4 hours sleep, my husband in manufacturing and also part time as a reserve sheriff( Aaron loved that!). We tried tough love, we took nearly every possession from him but he still managed to get money for drugs. He told me once that he had enough rich friends to keep him in drugs for a lifetime. We had moved our daughter out of the house when she was 15 to a safer place because we didn't know what else to do. On his 18 th birthday my daughter and I found him in repot story arrest and had to revive him. We kicked him out at 19 and he lived in his car in our drive way , he couldn't drive it as we took his keys for his and others safety plus he had already had a DUI.We allowed him to come in and shower etc.

This was a very dark time as he was using all the time, he was dealing so he could get his fix. He had a few long term relationships of 1-2 years and always treated his girlfriends with respect . He was friendly with one girl and was at her house one night and called me In a panic to say she wasn't right- I told him to call EMS & drive over there with my daughter, we walked into a scene like something from "Train Spotting"the girl in full on respiratory arrest , Aaron in shock, he helped me lift her off the bed so I could start CPR and then he ran off. The girl survived and that night I gave my son up to the police - this was really one of our darkest hours. I came to find out later that my son did not supply this girl with Heroin she called him over to party and as far as he knew she had been drinking and taking pills , he did not know she had shot up Heroin before he got there, this resulted in another lengthy court case.

Aaron would complain that his hip and legs hurt and I took him to orthopedic Drs and they Xrayed and could find nothing. I noticed when he was asleep or out of it in the car he would rub his legs so I took him to a neurologist and the found he had a fractured spine which they think happened around the age of 14- 15 we narrowed it down either a fall in middle school or a car accident at 15. We felt terrible, we brought him back I the house to try and sober him up and prepare him for surgery-. He weaned himself off Heroin& had a two level spinal fusion.He did amazing in his recovery, staying off drugs. Court case was still going on and was delayed due to his spinal surgery. He now had access to a pain management dr that gave him all sorts of narotics over the next couple of years- he would sell them for Heroin. He went into 30 day rehab just before turning 21 but then relapsed. Now he was getting very sick, very thin . We took him to a methadone clinic which was very successful for a while because it dealt with his back and leg pain( surgery did not get rid of that).

Finally he got sentenced , we begged the courts to put him in rehab but they wouldn't so he weaned himself off methadone because cannot get it in jail- to this day I'm still angry about the judicial system re this because while on methadone he went back to college and worked part time. So he did his few weeks came out and wanted to try life with out it but ended back at pain dr. Then fell at college from too many pills and got a concussion. Finally his supply was cut off but instead of getting better he got worse, and dealing Heroin for his fix really took over. Ended up again with possession or under influence charge and this time got sentenced to 6 months rehab. He went into Salvation Army and because of his back and not being able to do heavy manual labor he left and went into a sober living. After 5 months sober he looked amazing , was working etc and then did Heroin at sober living and got another concussion. We pulled him out and he was truly gutted he lost his sobriety, he was back on track within 24 hours and he rented a room somewhere.He was in a relationship with a sober girl. On Aug 5 we had a surprise birthday party for him with all his sober friends and sponsor and his sister Raquel attending.

He was so happy,he and his sister finally made peace and over the next month talked and texted and for the first time had a proper brother and sister relationship. He looked so well those 6 months, it was like he was glowing. A month later he said he was depressed not happy , he was about rosy art a new job, he thought perhaps he should try antidepressants ( he had not done this in years)and he also admitted he had been taking Xanax that week. We went immediately to his old addiction specialist who had not seen him for few months- she could not get over how well he looked. She gave him a few pills to get him off Xanax to prevent withdrawal seizure and anti- depressants( he never took them) . That day he asked me to take a photo of him, which I thought odd. 3 days later on Sept 10, 2012 one month after his 23rd birthday , I got a call from LA county coroner investigator to say he had been found dead in his room from a Heroin overdose. My husband, myself and our daughter are truly grateful for the 6 months we had him back in our lives. We will never forget him, we did a lot of things wrong, said a lot of hurtful things during those addictive years but we also did a lot of things right , Aaron when sober demonstrated he was very just and kind and a beautiful boy, he will be forever in our hearts.

What Made Them Smile?

Goofing around with his friends, silly family stuff, our pets, his favorite TV shows.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile, his laugh, his eyes, his hugs.

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

We love you so very much and we are sorry we could not save you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

09/23/2015 - Alecia Coglianese - Age 24 yrs - Orland Park, Illinois
Submitted by: Kim Novak - Parent
Name: Alecia Coglianese
State: Illinois, 60462
Date of Passing: 09/23/2015
Date of Birth: 01/05/1991
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:
Alecia was the type of girl you would never forget. She was always willing to help someone, talk, listen, or just put a smile on their face. She loved her Family, friends, animals (especially dogs), holiday's, the Blackhawks, sunsets and the sky, chocolate covered strawberries, cooking, eating, laughing, acting goofy, and had a deep faith all of her life. GOD was her #1 all of her life. Alecia'a smile could light up a room. She was ridiculously friendly, always willing to lend a helping hand, cared deeply for all those that she loved, she wrote poems, and inspirational quotes daily. She was never conceited, mean, judgemental, or needy. Almost every persons path she crossed she left an impression..that couldn't be forgotten. That wasn't everything ..there's So Much my babygirl had to be proud of.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:
Alecia's struggle was not easy to spot in the early stages. We didn't realize her own thoughts of being addicted were much earlier than we had known. On the night of my open heart surgery I was on life support. That's the night that forever changed my babygirl. She couldn't deal with sadness, and didn't know how to cope. Since she had already experimented with other drugs she dealt with her mental pain , medical pain, and fear over the outcome of my health the only way she could. She turned to heroin. That November 2009 would lay out a very sad, distructive, demoralized, and a demon took over..the path was horrible, humiliation set in. Alecia battled her way back in the fight of her life. She regained the sparkle in her eyes, a full time job, surrounded by her family and friends. A year and a half of sobriety. The demon kept knocking at Alecia's soul. After all that she accomplished she gave in to that demon for another round. She had multiple failed attempts at a sobriety and had at least 3 successful 6 month runs. From Nov 2009 until Sept. 2015 she had a little over 3 years added up together sober. The rest of the time was all that drug has to offer. Distance, disease, arrests, disgust, hopelessness, disappointment, distructive decisions, and death. She fought so hard to get back. She fought to the bitter end. Her tattoo said "stay sober or die trying" she tried with all she had. Medical problems and a bad decision from a facility that was suppose to be helping her sealed her fate.

What Made Them Smile?
Almost Everything!! She had a smile most of her life!! She was easy to please, she wasn't high maintenance, material possessions weren't a priority, she required very little and was happy from giving and helping others.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?
I miss it All! Her live to love motto. The laughter, the smiles, the love, the helping out way about her, the way she shared her ice cream cone w Reno her dog. Her doggie talk like a baby talk. Her family 1st way about her. Her OCD cleaning, her appreciation, her chocolate covered strawberries, her many, many, many, cards, letters, notes, and thank you's. Her hospitality, her friendly ways, her thoughtfulness, her scent, the family photo soldier, the watching the Blackhawks game yelling at the TV. Whether it was good or bad we had to get rowdy! Singing in the car, having dinner together, her compassion to family, friends, and her "puppies" her prayers out loud kneeling at her bed, her banging the razor on the shower wall so hard you wondered what the heck is she shaving?? Her surprising someone with treats, her willingness to lend a hand, her slurping her lip when you had her favorite food, her driving like a speed racer you thought the car was surely on 2 wheels when you made that turn. She's a permanent tattoo ...I may not see her but I know shes always with me. My love is where she is, was, and will alway be. I'll tell her all about it "when I see her again" I love and miss you BABYGIRL!!!

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?
I will Love you forever and I'm proud of You, You fought so hard to the end.
God saved You he did exactly what you asked him to do. I'll see you when I get there babygirl.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon
www.HeroinMemorial.org www.HeroinSupport.org

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

This picture is my son yesterday at his fathers grave this is not right.  The heartbreak I saw when he layed on the ground and cried and said "this is how I layed next to daddy and we would hug each other. I want daddy back!!"

I have a story to tell the love of my life my husband my children's father and my best friend was taken from us from heroin on May 25th 2016 a day before his 29th birthday. We had a true love story from the second we layed eyes on eachother we were married 13 years and his battle started 10 years ago first with weed then with pills and we could fight that we moved away and for 4 years it was perfect he even became a deacon in our church and just over 2 years ago is when he choose to do something that would eventually take his beautiful life and forever change me and my children's lives. As soon as I found out what he was doing I was in disbelief we would take about people who did this and try to help them I couldn't imagine my perfect husband ever doing this he went straight to rehab after just months of doing it when I found out and I thought we would be ok and his addiction was over but it just began I fought for him to stop I know he fought to I did everything imaginable I was even willing to cut my arms off to save my husband and family from death and destruction because I would tell him that if he didn't stop that's what it would lead to I asked if he wanted to die he said no I asked him what would I do without him and how could I tell our babies he died and he assured me that it wouldn't happen he knew his limit!

I knew what could happen and every day I fought!! He almost died Mothers Day if I didn't break down the bathroom door and call the ambulance! And from that day until he died he was just the perfect drug free husband and father I knew he gave us that or as I say Jesus gave us those weeks just perfect days and as I rolled over on May 25th at 3:30 am and felt the spot he fell asleep empty my world forever changed I knew he had snuck out to go get his stuff like he had done many many times before this time it was different though I had the horrible body shaking experience like I always had but as I walked down stairs to see the back door unlocked that he ran out of and would be sneaking back in I did something different that I had never done before I left it unlocked for him to come back I would always lock it right away and not let him in until he begged and promised he would t do it again but this time I didn't I was going to tell him that I was mad but I knew he messed up and finally understood and we would get back on track and it would be ok! I went upstairs and calmly layed down something I never did before I would usually stay up and smoke my cigarettes and be angry and hurt but I didn't as I layed in bed waiting for him to return I thought of how he could die and what if he did? As I got out of bed at 4:55 am and worried why isn't he home something is wrong he never took this long! I walked down the stairs and as I reached the bottom phone in hand it rang and i knew it was about my husband as my babies slept peacefully I was told he was dead and needed to go see him I help in my shrieks and screams so they would not be woken and my nightmare dream began!

I have a story much more to say but I will keep it short for now and say this drug does not discriminate it has no boundaries it's evil it's soul purpose is to kill and destroy my husband did not look like a addict we had the perfect life he had the American Dream loving wife and children a dog and a cat! We had hopes and dreams we would tell eachother we would be the notebook movie till the end and now that's gone our world is forever changed but I have peace and understanding as much as I my whole heart is gone now I know he's at peace and is in heaven he was saved and I know he knew at the end and repented and went to heaven he's in my heart he's in my children's eyes his story our story will forever be told the good the bad the ugly I would of stayed and fought till the end to save my husband but I understand why he left he didn't want to but he ended my worries and gave me peace from his addiction but I want him back now and would take that pain of worry just to hold him again and have him hug our babies and play with them again! If this touches one person and saves them from this deathly ending then I will smile!! This isn't the way young beautiful people should go my 12 year old son shouldn't of had to carry his father in a coffin I shouldn't have to comfort my babies at night when there crying they want there daddy back or why he will never be able to walk his daughters down the isle on there wedding day or not to see his grandchildren and grow old with me! I beg all the beautiful people to fight for your lives don't let your loved ones hurt like this don't hurt yourself like this!!! Before my husbands death I would look at addicts in disgust but now I understand and I will forever embrace them and tell my story in hopes of saving there lives!!! The only thing I have thought and said and will continue to say as soon as I heard he had died was Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!!! 

Please share my story if it comforts others or saves lives! Jason Miller the perfect husband and father was taken from us from something many of us are fighting. I don't want his young life to go without saving others from this ending!

Jennie Stanley Miller

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

People want to know what happens. I'm openly sharing my tragedy to bring light to this epidemic that is killing our future.  It's unfortunate that people are ashamed to tell the stories about their family members who battle drug addiction. Afraid that society will look at their loved ones as being 2nd class, low life people. I am an emergency Nurse who's job it is to save everyone who enters my ER. Once upon a time I too was guilty of being judge-mental of drug addicts or junkies as some would call them. Until it happens to my boy...... MY BOY 

I can assure each and everyone of you that if it can happen to my boy it can happen to anyone of your family members. People who are educated, smart, charismatic, beautiful and have the world in the palm of their hands. Not low life 2nd class junkies. My son Nick Antich was an A student who never got into trouble in school and never caused his father and I much trouble other than a few typical teenage issues. He scored 120 on the IQ test. So dumb he was not. Low life he was not. He was raised in a normal family and played baseball his whole childhood and wrestled in middle school. He was accepted into the engineering program at IUPUI which was his default program only because he did not want to spent 10 years in school to become a doctor which was his first choice. He moved to Indy, attended school as planned. During his sophomore year he started dabbling in drugs. Nothing I would consider hard core drugs but never the less drugs. He was honest to a fault with me and I as his mother, preached not to Screw with that stuff. As you know our kids at some point will do what they want. My boy was smart. He knew the dangers of hard core drugs so I never in my wildest dreams imagined anything serious was happening. I certainly never imagined or prepared myself for journey I was about to embark on 22 months ago.

My son called to say he was sick in bed for 3 days. I knew in the pit of my gut something horrible was not right. My son had been sick a bunch of times since going away to college, no big deal normally. Take some Tylenol and get rest. This time something told me not this time. Something was wrong. I called an ambulance from my job and sent them to his address in Indy. I told my boss something is wrong, I don't know what, but something bad. Jumped in my car and 2 hours later arrived in the ED to see my son curled up in a ball on a cot and nothing has been done. Why? They knew he was going through heroin withdrawal but the mom in me knew something was horribly different and WRONG with my son. due to Hippa they were not able to tell me what was really occurring, withdrawal. Instead my son held up his arm and said mom it's bad. I dropped to my knees and my hell began as a parent. Within 24 hours he was on a plane to Arizona and admitted into rehab for the next 2 months.

After his rehab stay, he moved back home with Jody and I. Within 3 months I once again seen changes and kicked him out. In September of 2014 he came to me and said mom I'm using again. And again in 24 hours he was back on a plane to Arizona for a 2nd stint in rehab. This time he was there for 4 months. He came home Christmas of 2014 and has been clean of Xanax and heroin since then. He worked for the state of Indiana and had been promoted because he was a great worker and mentor to his coworkers. But my boy felt miserable inside and unhappy. Nothing I could do as a mother could fix his mind or his feelings of loneliness. He was diagnosed with bipolar and faithfully took his anti depression meds and followed up once a month with his doctor. He did not want to be miserable. Was my son depressed and that led him to use drugs to feel better, or did the drugs mess up his brain and make him depressed? This question will haunt me forever.

Research proves that mental illness occurred in young 20's. It's like what came first the chicken or the egg. Last week my son worked mandatory 12 and 16 hours plowing during the snow storm, and was stressed and tired. Something went terribly wrong. He got Xanax from one of the many drug dealers in the area. I found out and he said mom, I just wanted to take something to make my miserable job tolerable. Sitting by himself plowing for 16 hours alone did something to him. If you believe Xanax is not a gateway drug your wrong. Once he did the Xanax that was all it took to wake up that devil in him that had been dormant for 16 months. I was petrified last week, knowing in my souls that here we go again. He said to me Thursday mom I would never use heroin ever again. Friday March 4th he went to Indy to stay with some friends for the weekend and then he had plans on going to Bloomington Monday to stay with his sister since he was on vacation for a week. My husband and I flew out Saturday for a weeks vacation to Arizona. Sunday afternoon I got the call that my son never woke up after parting all night and I'm quite sure he used heroin. I don't have toxicology test back yet. But when you drink alcohol, take Xanax ones inhibition or ability to use good judgement or think about the consequences is gone. The boys he was with claim they all were up till 4am and that when they all awoke at 3pm the next day Nick did not.

So my point is people don't hide this anymore. Share your stories. Get this out there. If it could happen to my boy it could happen to your family. It could be your mom, dad, brother ,sister, cousin, or friend. 

I hate drugs. They robbed my son of his life, they robbed Kasie Antich of her brother, they robbed me and Marc of a life time of happiness and grandchildren we will never have from our son. His wake was a testament to how loved he was with over 450 people attending. He had teachers from elementary through high school who he himself impacted and they came to share that. He just did not realize how much love there was for him in this life. I'm an emergency room nurse with the resources in place to to help my son and he used those resources. Even so i just could not save him, something I must learn to live with forever.

I will be taking some time off work to grieve the loss of part of my life, my first born Nick who showed me what it was to be a mother and feel that love that only a mother can feel. With all my strength I will try to continue on in my endeavor at being a Nurse practitioner and most importantly I will do my best to be a great mom to the only reason I get up each morning, my Kasie and family. Please don't hide this issue anymore. Out of 450 people I have at least a dozen say it happen to them too.

Stacy Taylor - Nich's mom

Nicholas was born on September 3, 1990 and passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016.
He was a resident of Merrillville, Indiana at the time of his passing.  Nick had a love for animals.

You can read his obitiuary online here.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own public heroin memorial tribute to our website here.

* Feel free to make supportive comments about this article at the bottom of this page using your Facebook profile.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.