Heroin Support Blog

8-21-2015 - Alexandrea McPhederain - Age 24 yrs - Buford, Georgia

Submitted by: Sabrina McPhederain - Parent

Name: Alexandrea McPhederain
State:  Georgia, 30519
Date of Passing: 8-21-2015
Date of Birth: 2-23-1991
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Alexandrea was beautiful and had a huge heart!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Alex dabbled here and there , A boy she started dating shot her up and she died within a month in her sleep.

What Made Them Smile?

Her beautiful daughter !

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile and laughter !

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

I love you, I will never let your daughter forget you !

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

5-11-15 - Suzanne Harley - Age 37 yrs - Columbus, Ohio

Submitted by: Rhonda Gurio - Parent

Name: Suzanne Harley
State:  Ohio, 43213
Date of Passing: 5-11-15
Date of Birth: 6-5-77
Age: 37 

Tell Us About Them:

She loved her kitties, her little boy, her nieces and nephews.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Suzanne lost her son. She never got over the loss of her son. The drugs masked her pain.

What Made Them Smile?

Her kitties, her nieces and nephews

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile!

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

I love you!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

10/05/2014 - Gregory DeHotel - Age 23 yrs - South Plainfield, New Jersey

Submitted by: Patty DeHotel - Parent

Name: Gregory DeHotel
State:  New Jersey, 07080
Date of Passing: 10/05/2014
Date of Birth: 11/15/1990
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

He was the most caring person, would do anything for anyone. He was learning a new trade and beginning to love his new life. He was my youngest of 5 children and we have a very close family. This has broken us apart and we are lost without him. He is missed terribly.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

His struggle I think was right out of high school but became worse in years to come. He struggle for many years but we finally thought we had this beat. Heroin is evil. It took my baby after 15 months clean.

What Made Them Smile?

His family, especially his nieces and nephews. Also working on and reaching his goals made him happy.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His hugs, his voice, his laugh, him coming for coffee before work in the morning. Not one thing is easier than another. 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 so much. I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you that horrible day. I don't know what made you go back but I wish I was around to make a difference that day.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

07/31/2015 - Todd Weissman - Age 42 yrs - Florida

Submitted by: Gilah Weissman - Spouse

Name: Todd Weissman
State:  Florida, 34744
Date of Passing: 07/31/2015
Date of Birth: 05/25/1973
Age: 42 

Tell Us About Them:

Very loving and caring, funny, smart

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Struggling for 20 years with periods of long recovery

What Made Them Smile?

His family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His hugs

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

I love you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

05/26/2015 - Justin Vanwinkle - Age 28 yrs - Salvisa, Kentucky

Submitted by: Kim Anderson - Parent

Name: Justin Vanwinkle
State:  Kentucky, 40372
Date of Passing: 05/26/2015
Date of Birth: 10/16/1986
Age: 28 

Tell Us About Them:

Justin was a wonderful person who loved family and friends but adored his beautiful daughter.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Started smoking pot after high school. Progressed into pills and then heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

His daughter

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile, his love for life,

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

I love you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

11/13/13 - Tyler Cook - Age 25 yrs - Connersville, Indiana

Submitted by: amy cook - Parent

Name: Tyler Cook
State:  Indiana, 47331
Date of Passing: 11/13/13
Date of Birth: 04/16/1988
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Tyler was the sweetest person, with a huge heart. All his friends said they could talk to him about anything.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Tyler started with prescription meds in late teens and in his early 20's was introduced to heroine. He was clean for about a year when he relapsed.

What Made Them Smile?

His family!

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything, his hugs, his smile, his contagious laughter.

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

I love you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2/11/11 - Andy Katchuk - Age 22 yrs - Raleigh, North Carolina

Submitted by: Pam Katchuk - Parent

Name: Andy Katchuk
State:  North Carolina, 27612
Date of Passing: 2/11/11
Date of Birth: 10/10/88
Age: 22 

Tell Us About Them:

Andy was our only child. He was the sweetest child. He was a straight-A student, a gifted violinist, and was an exchange student in France. He was dearly loved by his parents and friends.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

it happened slowly and insidiously. He was still highly functioning, but his first OD was his last.

What Made Them Smile?

His friends, a good joke, new clothes.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His hugs and his beautiful smile.

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

Thank you for the beautiful years you gave us. You are loved forever and never forgotten.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

11/03/2015 - Mikey Fielders - Age 31 yrs - Eliot, Maine

Submitted by: Michael Fielders - Parent

Name: Mikey Fielders
State:  Maine, 03903
Date of Passing: 11/03/2015
Date of Birth: 03/31/1984
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

He was a great father of 2 children. He was a very hard worker. He was trying to get clean. A week before his passing he went through a 72 hour detox. He thought it was a bed to bed transfer. He called us that morning that he was released from detox. He told us that the rehab center told him that he was 5th on a waiting list. How is it. You ask for help. Just to be put on a waiting list. We think it was because he had no insurance. He applied both for Obama care and state Medicare. He was turn down for both. This was the result of a work related injury. He was over prescribed pain killers. This happened 6 years prior to his death. This disease needs this nation's attention.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Opiates over presribed 6 years prior. Drop by insurance companie. Seeked pain killers out on his own for 4 years then turned to Heroin for the last 2 years. Fentanyl laced Heroin is what killed him.

What Made Them Smile?

His two children.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

We have temporary custody of his 2 children. He enjoyed comming over every night . feeding them. Getting them ready for bed and reading to them before tucking them into bed. He was a great son and father.

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

We love you Mikey and miss you very much.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2/25/2014 - Alexander Brossoit - Age 25 yrs - Stewartville, Minnesota

Submitted by: Ward Brossoit - Parent

Name: Alexander Brossoit
State:  Minnesota, 55976
Date of Passing: 2/25/2014
Date of Birth: 3/17/1988
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Alex was a loving son that loved being with his family and friends. He truly loved being in the outdoors.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Alex struggled with drugs from middle school until his passing. He went through treatment many times, and was able to help others with his big shoulders, but not himself.

What Made Them Smile?

His nieces and nephews along with his dog made him smile.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I really miss his laughter and big bear hugs.

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

No matter what happens, I will always love you to the moon and back.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

01/31/2015 - Vanessa Abbott - Age 24 yrs - Greensboro, North Carolina

Submitted by: Randy Abbott - Parent

Name: Vanessa Abbott
State:  North Carolina, 27410
Date of Passing: 01/31/2015
Date of Birth: 06/23/90
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Vanessa would give everything to help others. Had a passion for life that few only imagine.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Don't know what to say. It was always an up and down.

What Made Them Smile?

Seeing others happy. To know she helped someone else reach their goals.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Absolutely Everything.

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

I Love You: Please don't go.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

10/21/2014 - Jaclyn Matott - Age 22 yrs - Belvidere, New Jersey

Submitted by: Barbara Matott - Parent

Name: Jaclyn Matott
State:  New Jersey, 07823
Date of Passing: 10/21/2014
Date of Birth: 01/16/1992
Age: 22 

Tell Us About Them:

She was my only child. Smart and funny. Always there to help her friends but would never ask for help for herself - too proud and stubborn.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

I only knew about it for about 2 years - finding out now through her friends that it was going on much longer than that in other forms. 2 rehabs, one sober living - numerous jobs - IOP - she just couldn't shake the demon. I know she wanted to so very badly.

What Made Them Smile?

Animals and her friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile, humor and laughter - hugging her - her smell - the way she knew me better than I know myself - It was always just me and her against the world -

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

I love you and I'm sorry that I couldn't save you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

09/14/2014 - Isaac Perez - Age 18 yrs - Woodhaven, Michigan

Submitted by: Jennifer Perez - Parent

Name: Isaac Perez
State:  Michigan, 48183
Date of Passing: 09/14/2014
Date of Birth: 12/06/1995
Age: 18 

Tell Us About Them:

Isaac loved music, playing guitar, singing, and he loved people. He would talk to anyone who needed to talk and try to help them.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Isaac used for about a year. It's like we never had a chance

What Made Them Smile?

His nephew Jayce made him smile, and the thought of being a daddy to his unborn daughter.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his hugs the most

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

Stay in Texas baby, please just stay in Texas

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

07/04/2015 - Danielle Hinkle - Age 30 yrs - Jackson, Michigan

Submitted by: Sherry Russell - Parent

Name: Danielle Hinkle
State:  Michigan, 49263
Date of Passing: 07/04/2015 
Date of Birth: 2/13/1985
Age: 30 

Tell Us About Them:

Danielle's eyes were so blue and shiny she would lite up a room the minute she walked in. She was fun to be around and could make people laugh at their worst moments.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Danielle struggled with addiction for a few years. She was in rehab one month before her death and I really thought she was going to make it this time around.

What Made Them Smile?

Being around her family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her smile and laugh

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

How proud I am for the fight she fought with addiction

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

Submitted by: Christina Morz - Parent

Name: Austin Niemi
Date of Passing: 09/06/2013
Date of Birth:  06/16/1987
Age: 26

Share Some Thoughts About Them

Tell Us About Them:

Austin loved life. He love people. He was the center of attention. He could always make people laugh. If you were without he would do anything to help you.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He started smoking weed at 16. Went to rehab and jail and started doing meth. He started using heroin, and overdosed several times. Now matter how many times he tried to stop using, heroin had a hold on him.

What Made Them Smile?

He loved his family. He loved spending time outdoors. Going to the river. Hanging out with his friends. He was an amazing cook. He went out of his way to make people happy.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything! He warmed so many people's lives. When he walked in the room the whole room would light up. I just miss my son.

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

That I miss him and I love him. I'm sorry I couldn't take his pain away, and I'm sorry I couldn't save him.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

Submitted by: Cheryl Jennings - Sibling

Name: Doug Sleppy
Date of Passing:  11/21/2015
Date of Birth: 11/12/1968
Age: 47

Share Some Thoughts About Them

Tell Us About Them:

He was a good man at heart, and he loved his daughter so much.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He had been struggling for a few years to kick the habit. Just this past summer, he was trying to get help and get the vivotrol shot. Family and friends were all trying to help, and he really wanted a way out. He feared the withdrawals the most, having done them a few times. Hanging with the wrong crowd....always calling, texting and tempting him... He got put in jail and went through withdrawal for 45 days...

What Made Them Smile?

He had a funny sense of humor and infectious laugh. Me buying him milkshakes made him smile, spending time with his daughter, his favorite cousins and true friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His excitement to see me when I came to visit, him washing my car for me, and just being able to talk to him.

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

So many people miss and love you. Hanging onto the funny memories and who you were before you met heroin.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Submitted by: Janell Mullen - Parent

Name: Patrick Mullen
PA 15210

Date of Passing: 07/25/2015
Date of Birth: 05/23/1983
Age: 32

Share Some Thoughts About Them

Tell Us About Them:

Patrick, had a heartfelt smile and quick sense of humor. Patrick was a kind and fun spirited young man and very intelligent he loved his son He brought life everywhere he went. 
he was loving and had a good heart .

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Patrick struggled for years against and with his addiction . Countless times through clear eyes he wanted to so desperately to stop!

What Made Them Smile?

His Son , family , friends co workers

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Our long talks about when he was little

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

Don't go

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

1/24/2015 - Billy Cloutier - Age 21 yrs - Massachusetts

Submitted by: Carrie Curry - Parent

Name: Billy Cloutier 
State:  Massachusetts, 01474
Date of Passing: 1/24/2015
Date of Birth: 2/7/1993
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Loved friends and family music and video games. Could make anyone laugh. Lovable

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Tried to hide it from me. Started with pot, move to percolating then about 3 yearsenal in and out of rehab for heroin

What Made Them Smile?

His jokes. His laugh. His hugs

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Just Billy being around spending time with family

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

I love you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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 

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 

12/14/2013 - Nicole Ranalletta - Age 18 yrs - New York

Submitted by: Christine Ranalletta - Parent

Name: Nicole Ranalletta
State:  New York, 14580
Date of Passing: 12/14/2013
Date of Birth: 03/30/1995
Age: 18 

Tell Us About Them:

Nicole was beautiful, smart, hilarious. The only person that didn't realize it was Nicole.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Nicole didn't use long, perhaps 9 or 10 months, at least two of which she was clean. Nicole relapsed 11 days before Christmas, I found her deceased in her bed.

What Made Them Smile?

Her dog Charlie, her baby cousins, and her Dad, the love of her life.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

EVERYTHING..her smile, her laugh, just her being here. There's a hole in our world that can never be filled.

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

I love you, always did. I miss you, always will. I can't wait until we are together again, Nicole. I'm sorry we couldn't save you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org