Heroin Support Blog

12.28.2014 - Patrick McCann Jr - Age 34 yrs - New Jersey

Submitted by: Colleen Neumann - Sibling

Name: Patrick McCann Jr
State:  New Jersey, 08840
Date of Passing: 12.28.2014
Date of Birth: 09.14.1980
Age: 34 

Tell Us About Them:

Pat was a kind and wonderful person. He loved his family. One of his biggest wishes was to make people smile... and he was always making people laugh. Even through his struggles he did all he could to help those he loved.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Pat got addicted to pain killers that were prescribed to him for an on-going knee problem. He had knee problems since he was in high school. When the prescriptions ran out he turned to heroin. All of a sudden he was a different person on the outside. Three years later he found himself without a job, divorced, in and out of rehab, in and out of jail, and more than anything he was horribly disappointed in what had become of his life. He was afraid that the people he loved no longer loved him because of the decisions that he had made.

What Made Them Smile?

His son, his niece and nephew, animals, the Giants winning, the sunshine, and making others laugh.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His goofy laugh, his big hugs, his beautiful eyes, his crazy thumbs, how he said "beez" instead of "because" as a kid. I miss the future we didn't get to live together yet.

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

Of course I would tell him how much he is loved. But I would also apologize to him for not knowing how to handle his addiction. Never knowing what was the right thing to do... to say... to feel. And that I will miss him every single minute of everyday, until I see him again.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

3/25/2015 - Paige Allen - Age 20 yrs - Illinois

Submitted by: Renee Lozdoski - Parent

Name: Paige Allen
State:  Illinois, 61102
Date of Passing: 3/25/2015
Date of Birth: 3/15/1995
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

Paige was a loving and sensitive person. She always tried to help everyone else. Even when helping herself would have been better for her. She was funny and a free spirit and accepted everyone for who they were. She could light up a room with her infectious smile and sense of humor.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Paige was diagnosed with depression when she was 12. She struggled for 8 years with mental illness. She turned to drugs to self medicate when she was 13. She began with alcohol and eventually turned to heroin when she was 18. She overdosed on heroin with people she hardly knew 10 days after her 20th birthday.

What Made Them Smile?

She loved music, especially Sublime and Bob Marley. Her family and most of all her niece. She wanted so badly to be clean but just couldn't win the fight.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her smile, laugh, sense of humor, and her big hugs. I miss having my beautiful, amazing daughter by my side.

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

Don't use, call me so I can come get you and help you. I love you forever and a day, and don't know what I would do without you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Donna Miller - Parent

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

His niece, Ava

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laugh! His giggle just made you laugh too.

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Jeannie Larsen - Parent

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

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

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

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

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

1/14/15 - Michael Nugent - Age 31 yrs - Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Linda Nugent - Parent

Name: Michael Nugent
State:  Pennsylvania, 19061
Date of Passing: 1/14/15
Date of Birth: 9/8/83
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

He loved family and friends and having fun. He was kind and compassionate. He was very spiritual, a deep thinker and an old soul.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled for about 8 years, having periods of clean time and then relapsing. He tried so hard, he desperately wanted to live a "normal" life and peruse his dreams. He hated being an addict.

What Made Them Smile?

Being with friends and family.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Every single thing, especially talking with him and hearing him laugh. I miss him every second of every day.

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

4-1+2014 - nicole thurmond - Age 20 yrs - Missouri

Submitted by: brenda Thurmond - Parent

Name: nicole thurmond
State:  Missouri, 63080
Date of Passing: 4-1- 2014
Date of Birth: 4-3-1993
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

Loved her daughter Ariana full of life

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Nicole struggled hard trying to fight her addication

What Made Them Smile?

Her daughter,her family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything our life together.

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

I love and miss you and want you back

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

2/24/2015 - Jimmy Diggs - Age 43 yrs - Virginia

Submitted by: Joy Ellis - Parent

Name: Jimmy Diggs
State:  Virginia, 23701
Date of Passing: 2/24/2015
Date of Birth: 7/30/1970
Age: 43 

Tell Us About Them:

Jimmy was my love, my best friend, so full of life, love, compassion, the sweetest heart & soul to myself & our ( my biological) 5 kids & 2 GRANDBABIES. He loved them all as his own & showed it everyday. With lifetime of struggled & disappointments, Jimmy was just loving " starting life" at the age of 43. I will always love, be thankful for him, his life changes, his love for me & mine. He was the most loyal man I've ever met, & I miss him so much everyday.. He's our angel

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Jimmy had had an unknown struggle of mine, with diff drugs at diff times in his life. I met him & instantly had that connection, compassion, faith, & belief in him & his abilities & wants for life.. I didn't meet, fall in love with a heroine addict I fell in love with a real man who had life struggles, beliefs, so much love to give & wanted to receive. He was cheated out of a lot, but realized what he'd been missing & really needed & wanted to complete his life.. We were so in love & had many future plans some we already accomplished together, some we were working on, & our future.. This was def not on my list of things to be dealing with in my future,& never expected alone without him. I love you forever babe..!!

What Made Them Smile?

Jimmy enjoyed life, the extreme love for animals, kids, & the WAshington Redskins..

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything, exsp his smile & huge heart..

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

Thank God I got to be there, lay with him for hours, saying all I wanted to say, hug, kiss him, how much I love him & gave him the ok to go to the lord,be at peace, free of the pain, that we'd be ok, as he took his last breath in my arms..4 days of pure hell.!! Overdose in our home 2/21/2015 became our angel 2/24/2015

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

08/17/13 - Michael Ferrell - Age 20 yrs - Ohio

Submitted by: Jawna Ferrell - Parent

Name: Michael Ferrell
State:  Ohio, 43326
Date of Passing: 08/17/13
Date of Birth: 01/07/93
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

Michael was so caring. He also had a great sense of humor. Always putting a smile on someones face. He was also very prorective over his family. He loved racing greyhounds

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Michaels addiction began with pills when he was 16. He kept this hidden well. He came to me on Christmas 2012 and told me of his addiction then a couple days later saying he started using heroin. He wanted help but he had bo insurance. We went on to detox him at home a few minths later. He relapsed on Aug 17 2013 and lost his life

What Made Them Smile?

Making others smile. He also always had a huge grin on his face after winning a final with his dog

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His voice, his hugs, watching movies together, his laugh. So much

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

I love you and there was becer a time that I didnt.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Kim Cascio - Parent

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

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

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

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

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

I love you more than life itself! xx

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Leslie Smith - Sibling

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

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

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything.

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Ellen Weinstein - Parent

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

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

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

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

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

9/1/2015 - Stephen Sullivan - Age 35 yrs - New York

Submitted by: Jackie Sullivan - Parent

Name: Stephen Sullivan
State:  New York, 14085
Date of Passing: 9/1/2015
Date of Birth: 9/20/1979
Age: 35 

Tell Us About Them:

Very talented individual. Thoughtful, conscientious and charming! Only wanted in life to be productive, have a family and have others think well of him

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Almost 20 years of a life long struggle with mental health and addiction. When he would relapse and fail he would dust himself off and start the process of recovery all over again

What Made Them Smile?

His nieces and he loved animals

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile when he was happy!

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

I love you so much and I am so sorry I could not help you or save you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: jessica franz - Friend

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

his children and fixing things

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

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

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Thomas Montgomery - Sibling

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

Tell Us About Them:

Young mother of 3 field with love

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Fight along time in just got clean in had a relapse

What Made Them Smile?

Me in kids

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

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

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

I love you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: David Feldt - Parent

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

We didnt realize he was doing Heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

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

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

We miss everything about him.

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

We love you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Karen Smith - Friend

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

His 2 daughters

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His funny antics

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

I love you nephew

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Susan Johnson - Friend

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

Tell Us About Them:

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

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

Being with the ones he loved

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about my husband

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

01/03/2014 - Nicole Roach - Age 20 yrs - Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Bridget Schlabach - Friend

Name: Nicole Roach
State:  Pennsylvania, 16426
Date of Passing: 01/03/2014
Date of Birth: 12/25/1993
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

One of the best people I have ever been friends with.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

She fought this battle for awhile. She was clean and then she relapsed and didn't make it

What Made Them Smile?

Having good times with friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Our friendship

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

I would let her know how good of a friend to me she was.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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

Submitted by: Deb Smith - Parent

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

Tell Us About Them:

Nathaniel was brilliant, creative and kindhearted.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

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

What Made Them Smile?

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

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

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

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

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

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

09/01/2015 - Christopher Bailey - Age 36 yrs - New York

Submitted by: Karen Bailey - Parent

Name: Christopher Bailey
State:  New York, 13027
Date of Passing: 09/01/2015
Date of Birth: 01/16/1979
Age: 36 

Tell Us About Them:

Chris was a happy go lucky person he loved life especially his wife Angela and two sons Davin 15 yrs and Landen 8 yrs He so loved his family and friends. He was a kind and gentle soul.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Chris struggled with addiction for a few yrs and then Heroin came along and totally changed his life he fought long and hard for awhile but he couldn't fight any longer and it took over his whole existence. He tried rehab a couple a couple times but it didn't work for him its hold on him was to strong.

What Made Them Smile?

His wife and children and of course I hope me.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile ,sense of humor and life

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

Im sorry baby I wish I could have seen your pain and struggling before this happened and I guess WHY!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org