Heroin Support Blog

2015/05/04 - Amanda Elam - Age 23 yrs - Covington, Kentucky

Submitted by: Christa Elam - Parent

Name: Amanda Elam
State:  Kentucky, 41015
Date of Passing: 05/04/2015
Date of Birth: 10/08/1991
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Amanda was a beautiful, goofy, sweet and wonderful daughter. My first born and only daughter. She made me smile all the day. She had a contagious laugh. She became a Mom at 16 but that didn't stop her from going to school and she had another child at 18 just 6 weeks before graduating high school. She did so and became a Mom again when she was 21. She had 2 handsome sons and a beautiful daughter. She was a good mom.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

I did not know about her addiction until about 14 months before she passed away. She had moved out when she was 18 with her boyfriend (the father of all her kids). I found out her kids were living with their grandparents and they were living in a hotel. Needless to say she was arrested for shoplifting twice and then she came to stay with me. I tried my best to help her. Wish I had known then what I know now about a lot of things and could of helped her more. She was depressed without her kids and was admitted for 5 days to behavior health. About 3 weeks after being released she bought what she thought was Heroin and she passed away from overdose 5/4/15. We found out a few months later that it was actually fentanyl in large quantity that killed her.

What Made Them Smile?

Her children. She loved them with all her heart.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her laugh, her smile, her beautiful face. Hearing her laughing upstairs at 3 am talking to her friends who were not on drugs.

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

I love you pretty girl and I wish I could of done more for you. You are thought of and missed so much by all your children , family and friends.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/03/14 - Kayla Haubner - Age 22 yrs - Covington, Kentucky

Submitted by: Karen Young - Parent

Name: Kayla Haubner
State:  Kentucky, 41015
Date of Passing: 3-14-13
Date of Birth: 4-11-1990
Age: 22 

Tell Us About Them:

Kayla was a wild spirited girl. She loved her family and friends, and would do anything for anyone. She was a hard worker and was venturing out on her own. Kayla could light up a room with her smile and infectious laugh!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Kayla had a softball sized cyst removed from her ovary and was in extreme pain. She became addicted to the pain pills, and when the refills ran out she turned to heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

Her dog Molly, always made her smile.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her laugh, her sense of humor her heart of gold.

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

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/05/29 - Steven Hall - Age 24 yrs - Edgewood, Maryland

Submitted by: Autumn Holland - Spouse

Name: Steven Hall
State:  Maryland, 21040
Date of Passing: 05/29/2015
Date of Birth: 6-1-1990 
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Steven was truly amazing , smart , outgoing , funny , caring and loving and also known as the family jokester . He had a good career and was going to do big things one day . He was the youngest sibiling . He had an older sister Stephanie and an older brother Shawn . He had a big family that truly loved him and a future wife with a little family of their own, along with many friends .

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

His addiction started with pills. He would do them here and there and then got to doing them every day. Then he found heroin and then soon got addicted to that.

What Made Them Smile?

Just being around family and friends . Enjoying the outdoors . Having a cold beer with his family on family night.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his smile . How he used to joke with everyone . How he never have up no matter how difficult the situation was .

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

That We love him very much and that we forgive him. And We wish that we could have saved him.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

02/23/2016 - Joshua Delbrugge - Age 25 yrs - Martins Ferry, Ohio

Submitted by: Angela Haberfield - Sibling

Name: Joshua Delbrugge 
State:  Ohio, 43935
Date of Passing: 02/23/2016
Date of Birth: 2/15/1989
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Best brother and uncle in the world. Had the biggest heart and would do anything for his friends and family.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Hidden. Not sure if he had ever done heroin, but discovered after overdose from heroin he was addicted to pain pills.

What Made Them Smile?

Family; especially his niece Madison; PITTSBURGH Steelers

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything-his laugh, his hugs, his smile, his voice

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

I love you and am here for you. I want to help you and support you in any way I can.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/03/21 - Daniel Foley - Age 20 yrs - Wyandotte, Michigan

Submitted by: Donna Foley - Parent

Name: Daniel Foley
State:  Michigan, 48192
Date of Passing: 03/21/2015
Date of Birth: 08/05/1984
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

He has the most amazing sense of humor and could hold entire conversations with movie quotes. A very loving soul. Very smart but didnt know it.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

His addiction struggle was less then a year long. In treatment once and he relapsed and died after approximately 41 days clean

What Made Them Smile?

Everything... but mostly Dane Cook jokes with his sister

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile. His sense of humor. Seeing and hugging and kissing him every night before bed

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

I am so very sorry I couldnt do more to save you my beautiful boy

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2011/11/30 - Andrew Schofield - Age 24 yrs - Mount Airy, Maryland

Submitted by: Gabrielle Cottone - Other Family

Name: Andrew Schofield
State:  Maryland, 21771
Date of Passing: 11/30/2011
Date of Birth: 06/02/1987
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Andrew was a hard working, kind hearted and genuine person. He was a loving father, son, brother and friend.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Andrews struggle lasted about 4 years. He hated the drugs and what they took from him. He wanted to get help and to change his life for the better. He fought his addiction, tried to get clean many times. He was ashamed of his addiction and knew he was a better person, he just couldn't get the help he needed.

What Made Them Smile?

Everything, but especially his son, Braiden. He Loved his son more than anything else!

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about Andrew. There will never be another AJS.

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

I Love you and I'm sorry

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

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.

2013/08/08 - Nicholas Specht - Age 30 yrs - Fort Thomas, Kentucky

Submitted by: Holly Specht - Parent (www.NKYHatesHeroin.com)

Name: Nicholas Specht 
State:  Kentucky, 41075
Date of Passing: August 8, 2013
Date of Birth: July 16, 1983
Age: 30 

Tell Us About Them:

Nicholas was a family man, he was proud of his family and tried to attend every single family gathering he could. Nicholas was blessed, he knew very well without a doubt he was loved, deeply by his family.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Nicholas struggled for a long time with his addiction. His usage started with marijuana then pills then a year before we lost him, he used Heroin. Heroin took his soul, his heart, his brain then lastly his life.

What Made Them Smile?

Without a doubt his uncles, camping, fishing with his dad, frisbee golf with his best friend and last but NOT least his dog, Ruger...

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile and his deep voice and his hugs and the way he would kiss the top of my head.

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

Nicholas until my last breath you will never be forgotten and I NEVER EVER stopped loving you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon #NKYHatesHeroin

www.HeroinMemorial.org     www.HeroinSupport.org     www.NKYHatesHeroin.com

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/06/01 - Amy Scheele - Age 38 yrs - Alcove, New York

Submitted by: Marlene Scheele - Parent

Name: Amy Scheele
State:  New York, 12046
Date of Passing: 6/1/15
Date of Birth: 5/10/76
Age: 38 

Tell Us About Them:

She was a caring loving person who Loved life but had a hard time with it. She was an artist and very intelligent .brutally honest. A good person

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

My daughter struggled with addiction most of her life . She got treatment went back to school started a career . She wanted to live life "like a normal person " in other words not having to depend on methadone treatment she weened off her choice. One year later she had a relapse overdose. One time killed her

What Made Them Smile?

Her cats , her makeup she was a makeup artist. Family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Our talks

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

I love you with all my heart

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute

2010/11/05 - Gretchen Smarra - Age 43 yrs - McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Gretchen Smarra - Parent

Name: Gretchen Smarra
State:  Pennsylvania, 15136
Date of Passing: 11/5/10
Date of Birth: 2/3/67
Age: 43 

Tell Us About Them:

Gretchen was beautiful, strong and loyal! She loved her husband, children and family! She had a smile that would light up a room and had the ability to turn it upside down in her exit. Her 3 children meant the world to her and her death has crippled the family!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Her struggle was long, exhausting and overwhelming! May she finally be at peace with herself in death!

What Made Them Smile?

Her children

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?

I'm sorry

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/01/07 - Damien Smith - Age 37 yrs - Central Lake, Michigan

Submitted by: Robin Sommer - Parent

Name: Damien Smith
State:  Michigan, 49622
Date of Passing: 01/07/2015
Date of Birth: 12/9/1977
Age: 37 

Tell Us About Them:

Damien was an amazing athlete in high school. He played in a men's basketball league for many years and fought in the cage in a fight league. He would be the first to fight a family or friend's battle for them. He was also a very loving, patient father to two beautiful little girls. He was a roofer by trade and would share job site pictures from rooftops overlooking scenic lakes from "his office window". He loved sports, telling jokes, fishing, family bonfires and watching his little girls grow and learn. He loved a good steak dinner and pineapple upside down cake.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

I believe he became addicted to opiates when he broke his jaw in a fight and was prescribed narcotics after having surgery to wire his jaw closed. He survived an overdose in his late 20s, and spent a year and a half in prison on a drug charge. He met his daughter for the first time in prison. He wrote letters home about taking responsibility for his mistakes and starting a new life caring for his daughter. He had a family who loved him fiercely and two little girls who thought the world of him, but he lost his battle on a cold, wintry night to a fetanol/heroin overdose.

What Made Them Smile?

Watching his little girls have fun, sharing stories and jokes with his friends and family.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his huge bear hugs, his chuckle, and stroll through the kitchen with his "hey ma" greeting while he looks for something good to eat. I miss watching him love on his children and playfully tease his girlfriend.

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

I wish I knew how to save him. I loved him all his earthly life and will miss him the rest of mine. I am so grateful for the greatest gift he ever gave me, his two beautiful daughters, and how they remind me so much of him.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/12/17 - Aaron Starrs - Age 21 yrs - Forest Hill, Maryland

Submitted by: Tracy Martin - Parent

Name: Aaron Starrs
State:  Maryland, 21050
Date of Passing: 12/17/2015
Date of Birth: 9/23/1994
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Aaron was my youngest child and my only son. He was simply amazing. He could light up the room in a moments time. He was kind, funny, just wonderful. He had the most beautiful smile. He graduated high school in 2012. Attended Harford Community College for a year. He loved music! Especially Dub Step. I could go on and on about how sweet he was. He was just perfect to me.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Aaron's struggle began in high school. I believe it started with pills. But over the past 2 years it progressed into heroin use. He had attended rehab but relapsed many times. But what took him in the end was Fentanyl. I believe it was the next level with the heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

Gosh, it was easy to make Aaron smile. And when he smiled it was contagious! Aaron was very funny and loved to make fun of me. His little nephews always made him smile. I thought life made him smile.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss that smile! It could light up the room. I miss hearing him say, "Mom." I am just shattered into a million pieces without him.

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

I love you Aaron to the moon and back and nothing would or will ever change that!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2007/03/21 - Denise Apodaca - Age 50 yrs - Hawthorne, California

Submitted by: Renee Apodaca - Other Family

Name: Denise Apodaca
State:  California, 90250
Date of Passing: 03/21/2007
Date of Birth: 03/15/1957
Age: 50 

Tell Us About Them:

My Mom struggle with her demons all our lives. Ever since I could remember I know she had a problem. But she did her best for us. She always told us she loved us. She was funny loving and she loved her grandkids so much too.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Mom and Dad both struggled all our lives. We lost my Dad 1996 to an overdose and after that she sobered up and help us through our teenage life's. And on day I started see the change and I knew she was getting high again. But I never ever thought it would of killed her.

What Made Them Smile?

Her grandchildren

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her helping me through things in life. Asking how to do something. She loved Christmas too.

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

I'm sorry I didn't help you I'm sorry I didn't see I'm sorry your gone and I couldn't save you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2012/02/11 - Dustin Young - Age 24 yrs - Festus, Missouri

Submitted by: kelly young - Parent

Name: Dustin Young
State:  Missouri, 63028
Date of Passing: 02/11/2012
Date of Birth: 03/17/87
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Dustin was a bright young man who wanted to be an architectural engineer. he loved his family, had a good sense of humor. when heroin came into his life, the brightness went out.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

he struggled off and on and was actually doing good until the last night. he was drinking and so called friends talked him into doing heroin one more time

What Made Them Smile?

his son Trenton

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

his smile

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

I wish I could of helped you more. I love you qnd miss you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2012/8/10 - Nathan Gembe - Age 29 yrs - Windsor, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Diana Nielsen - Parent

Name: Nathan Gembe
State:  Pennsylvania, 17366
Date of Passing: 8/10/2012
Date of Birth: 9/9/1982
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

Nathan loved to fish and hunt and spend time with his childern

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He tried to stay clean he was clean for 72days

What Made Them Smile?

Fishing with his son always made him happy he had such a beautiful smile and he would give you his shirt off his back if you needed one

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his smile his voice his hugs

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

I love you with all my heart and I forgive you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/8/7 - Steven Akerly - Age 25 yrs - Harborcreek, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Pat Akerly - Parent

Name: Steven Akerly
State:  Pennsylvania, 16421
Date of Passing: 8/7/2015
Date of Birth: 12/13/89
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Steven was a very kind, gentle, caring person. He would help anyone he could but he could not help himself.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Not sure what came first, the drugs or the depression/anxiety. He wanted so much to "be normal" as he wrote in his journal. Yet at the same time he could not deal with life. 2 weeks before he died he went to the local hospital on his own to detox and try to lead a drug free life. The hospital told him his condition was not life threatening so he was not admitted. He died from an overdose of multiple drugs 2 weeks later while trying to avoid using Heroin again.

What Made Them Smile?

Entertaining others, skateboarding tricks, listening to music, helping friends, nurturing animals.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His friendly smile, warm hugs, and sensitivity to others needs. He always tried to be there for me so I would not have to go places by myself.

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

I would give him a big hug and say "I love You", I miss you, and I would pray with him out loud.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/01/02 - Joseph Stancil - Age 36 yrs - Westland, Michigan

Submitted by: Sarah Stancil - Spouse

Name: Joseph Stancil
State:  Michigan, 48186
Date of Passing: 01/02/2015
Date of Birth: 12/25/1978
Age: 36 

Tell Us About Them:

Joe had the biggest heart. He absolutely loved to be with his family & friends. He loved to travel & be in the ocean. He was a lover of the great outdoors & his dogs. He was always the life of the party & making everyone laugh.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He tried every single drug out there. He struggled with Crack cocaine & Heroin. The reason for his death was Buprenorphine & Fentanyl Intoxication.

What Made Them Smile?

The simplest things made him happy. He loved tinkering in his garage & being outside.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything! 
Most off all I miss his silly laugh & beautiful smile.

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

I wouldn't have much to say to him, I would just want to hold him again! But if I said one thing it would habe to be, please stay with me, I love you baby!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/07/25 - Jesse Rickman - Age 34 yrs - Port Huron, Michigan

Submitted by: kimberly Rickman - Parent

Name: Jesse Rickman
State:  Michigan, 48060
Date of Passing: 07/25/2014
Date of Birth: 06/20/1980
Age: 34 

Tell Us About Them:

Jesse was a great guy who loved his family. Loved spending time with his son, nieces and nephews. He never hurt anyone but himself.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Jess was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and adhd. If he did not have his meds he would self medicate. That's when he stated using heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

Spending time with family and his dog Missy.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss talking to him seeing him laugh and be silly. He loved watching sports with his brother.

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

I would tell him I love him and miss him terribly.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/05/12 - Travis Rose - Age 27 yrs - Marshall, Virginia

Submitted by: Betty Ramsburg - Parent

Name: Travis Rose
State:  Virginia, 20115
Date of Passing: 05-12-2015
Date of Birth: 12-04-87
Age: 27 

Tell Us About Them:

Loving,caring,kind hearted, loved life & his family.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Hid it very well& said he didn't have a problem.

What Made Them Smile?

Family and friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile, His laugh and his hugs his handsome face.

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

I love you more than you will ever know.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/10/02 - William Quickle - Age 26 yrs - Springfield, Ohio

Submitted by: Jorden Hovatter - Spouse

Name: William Quickle
State:  Ohio, 45503
Date of Passing: October 2, 2014
Date of Birth: August 4, 1988
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

William went by "Bj". He was an amazing human being. Had a huge heart. For me personally, he showed me what love really was. He has three young kids. He was an awesome dad. When he would play with them...or let his daughter put make up on him...Like it was only him and them in the world. Bj was loyal, and honest. A bit shy when you first met him. But when his personality came out..He was so funny. Oh, and he could draw...like nothing I've ever seen. He had many many talents. Anything he tried to do, he succeeded at.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Bj had struggled with addiction for many years. Had many consequences for the bad choices He made while in active addiction. But the past couple years of his life, he made a real conscience decision that he really wanted change in his life. He wanted to be the man, he knew he was inside. When he died, he had almost two years sober. He got some bad news...I don't think he knew how to deal with it. Instead of taking to someone, he ran to what he knew. And it ended up taking his life. One relapse.

What Made Them Smile?

His family, children, tattoos, BMX, dirty bikes, drawing, being outside...love.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laugh, voice, and soft skin.

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

I love you...more than life. That will never change.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.