Heroin Support Blog

Their Name

Nathan Christopher Earl McMellan

Their Nickname

Nate

Birthday

4/8/1978

Age at Time They Passed

35

Date Passed

7/3/2013

Your First & Last Name

Cheryl McMellan Allen

Relationship to Loved One

Parent (Biological, foster,step)

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Nate was a great person with a huge heart. He was hilarious and had the quickest wit. Growing up I always said he had more friends than anyone person I knew. He always smiled and found the good in almost everything. Nate was an amazing brother, husband and especially father. His son Ethan was his life. Nate was so compassionate to everyone. He was highly intelligent and just an all around great child.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Nate was a brain tumor survivor. His surgery at the age of twenty left him with moderate paralysis on his left side, loss of vision left of center in both eyes, severe seizures and chronic migraines. He was prescribed opiates for 13 years and during that time displayed to physicians signs of abuse. He had a vagal nerve stimulator implanted and a pain pump. Finally he had exhausted all his physicians and was abruptly cut off medication including filling his pain pump. Nathan was a very private person and his I didn’t know of his use of Heroin and didn’t learn of this until after his passing. With a disability payment he was unable to buy medication so he turned to Heroin. I didn’t know he has overdosed until his autopsy report came back 12 weeks later. I would have stopped the earth if only he would have told me.

What made them smile?

His son Ethan and his family. He loved the Cincinnati Reds. He was crazy about his cat Sarah and just having fun. He could keep you laughing he was hilarious.

What do you miss the most about them today?

Everything, his smile, his laugh, his smell (he always smelled so good), his quick wit and his daily phone calls and when I picked up hearing “ hey momma whatch ya doin”. He had a bad memory so I usually had to tell him a recipe again so I could help him cook. I miss everything about Nate, my first born and the beautiful 3lb 8oz amazing little boy that made me a mom.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

Please get help early as soon as you even think you have a problem, scream it from the rafters and have faith that with early help and support from family and community facilities you can beat this demon. AND NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU CHILD, try, try and try some more.

Their Name

Katnie Sue Moore

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

6/16/1992

Age at Time They Passed

21

Date Passed

2/1/2014

Your First & Last Name

Kathy Trader

Relationship to Loved One

Parent (Biological, foster,step)

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Katnie was the youngest of 5 siblings and the only girl. Her favorite thing to do, was annoy her brothers. She would sing all day long. She was a little shy, but once she opened up to you, you were her friend for life. She was beautiful, loving and compassionate. Her brothers loved her, even though they would admit it :)

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

She met a "man" older than her and his kind of fun was heroin. She didnt like drugs and he pushed her to "have fun with him" or she didnt love him. She struggled with her own feelings about their relationship, and then when she had her daughter, she finally saw that it was a toxic relationship and left him. Only to realize drugs were everywhere, not just with him.

What made them smile?

She loved her family and her daughter. All she had to do was see any of them, and she was smiles and giggles.

What do you miss the most about them today?

Everything!!!!!!

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

Im sorry I wasnt there to hold you when you passed. I love you and always will. Sing, Dance and Fly, we will be together when it is my time.

Their Name

Jesse Repko

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

5/20/1981

Age at Time They Passed

33

Date Passed

9/29/2014

Your First & Last Name

Jodi sanders

Relationship to Loved One

Spouse

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Jesse was an amazing dad , a hard working union laborer, who enjoyed watching his Pittsburgh Steelers and going to the gym, as well as spending time with his family. His daughter was his whole world . Jesse had a huge heart and would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need .

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Jesse started using drugs in high school, unfortunately born into a family that struggled with addiction . He successfully completed a year long faith based rehab center , and went back for restoration , when he relapsed . Jesse did not thinking he had an issue with alcohol, which of course always lead to his drug of choice, heroin. He lost his battle but fought hard.

What made them smile?

Jesse smiles whenever he held his daughter, bliss. She was his whole world. He enjoyed watching sports , especially the Pittsburgh Steelers . We traveled together to Las Vegas and New York City and often local Lakes to swim. Jesse loved his brothers and smiled when he got to spend time with them.

What do you miss the most about them today?

I miss him walking in the door , with a smile on his face, happy to be home with me And his daughter. I simply miss his presence.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I’m sorry and I love you. I didn’t understand addiction but now I do. Please know your my whole heart.

Their Name

Kayla Susan Haubner

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

4/11/1990

Age at Time They Passed

22

Date Passed

3/14/2013

Your First & Last Name

Karen Young

Relationship to Loved One

Parent (Biological, foster,step)

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Kayla was a hard worker, a great friend and daughter. She would do anything for anyone.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Kayla’s addiction began after having surgery. Her Dr. refilled her pain meds 3 times without seeing her. Kayla thought that she was in pain from the surgery when if fact she was “dope” sick.

What made them smile?

Kayla loved to smile and laugh. She has an amazing sense of humor.

What do you miss the most about them today?

I miss Kayla’s laugh and hard hugs! I miss our talks about nothing and eating junk food.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I’m sorry that I couldn’t save you and I love you to the moon and stars!

Their Name

Michael DeMay

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

9/14/1979

Age at Time They Passed

35

Date Passed

3/29/2016

Your First & Last Name

Melissa DeMay

Relationship to Loved One

Sibling

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

He was always "lost" but so smart, loved his family. He would help anyone with whatever they needed. Loved playing the guitar, cooking. He wanted kids one day and would have been a great father. He was the only boy with 4 sisters and he was right in the middle!

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

He tried so hard so many times to get better. We had so many arguments all the way until the end about his drug use. He was with the wrong girl and she in my mind is to blame (bc I have to blame someone). No matter how bad he was he still loved his family and wanted to protect us from this part of his life. He loved my mom and would never in a million yrs put her through the hell she has endured without him on purpose.

What made them smile?

Kids! He loved being around all the kids during family get together and holidays.

What do you miss the most about them today?

Everything.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I love you and I am sorry for all the horrible things I said.

Their Name

Arthur Hall

Their Nickname

AJ

Birthday

9/15/1988

Age at Time They Passed

27

Date Passed

2/2/2016

Your First & Last Name

Shannon H Hall

Relationship to Loved One

Sibling

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

AJ was a happy, outgoing, athletic individual. He was a chef who loved to make people smile with his creations.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

AJ struggled with abusing pills before trying other narcotics. He went to rehab 3 or 4 times but insurance only covered the minimum. He passed from a heroin/fentanyl overdose.

What made them smile?

His daughter, his family, making people laugh.

What do you miss the most about them today?

I miss his laugh and his hugs

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I love you so much

Their Name

Barbara Weltner

Their Nickname

Bobbie

Birthday

12/14/1964

Age at Time They Passed

36

Date Passed

10/31/2001

Your First & Last Name

Mary Jo Weltner

Relationship to Loved One

Sibling

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Bobbie was the big sister to me that I followed everywhere. She was so loving, warm, and special. Everyone wanted to be in her company. She was the one in our family that always made "it" work, found an avenue, whipped up a family gathering (great cook). She had so many friends. On top of this, she was smart, and could of been anything she wanted to be, academically. She was such a beautiful woman and just so caring. Our Grandparents just adored her as she always spent time with them. She married and had 3 beautiful children, whom she left behind. One of her son's was born with a heart problem and his health was a life scare for her. She was a great care take to him and although scared, she remained strong. Bobbie was that person in our family that everyone went to, talked to, etc. She was a strong woman and our parents had a special bond with her. She would always find a way to make sure everyone felt special in her eyes.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Bobbie started using alcohol/drugs in her mid 20's. Her addiction ended her marriage and she ended up loosing her children. She went to many rehabs and felt very hopeful. Her addiction brought crime to her, in which she ended up in jail a few times, she was estranged from the family, was hospitalized a few times for poor health, and she got to the point she missed her visitation with our children. She put herself in relationships that were violent, she was missing for a few months, she stole many times from family, and she herself became very violent. Often times, family members were nervous to be around her because she was so erratic and impulsive. No matter what ever happened, she NEVER admitted to a relapse. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia prior to her death. I feel strongly that her mental diagnosis had a lot to do with her addiction.

What made them smile?

Prior to her addiction - she smiled at everything. Family, friends, etc. She was such a loving and happy girl. The family holidays were the most wonderful times because she was the one that everyone wanted to sit by.......she had a special bond with our grandmother and when the 2 of them were together, Bobbie beamed. She loved having family events and she loved to cook. She enjoyed seeing everyone around her happy and that was so gratifying to her.

What do you miss the most about them today?

I miss my sister! Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. For me, I miss the dream that she was going to become sober and that we would have that sister/bond relationship. I yearned for that and when she passed away, I mourned that as well. I miss her warm loving heart, she was always trying to make everyone happy, but she was the one suffering the most. My sister, good or bad, was always in my corner. She always found a reason to stick up for me, etc......She was such a genuine person. I miss her laughter, her phone calls, our talks, her deep thoughts........I miss her so bad that even after all these years, the pain is still so strong. My Father talked about her everyday till the day he died. He had her picture in sight all the time. When he passed away, my first thought was that he finally is with her.......that brought me peace.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I would tell her how sorry I am for not taking the time to educate myself on addiction. All I would say to her is mean things because I did not understand her going to jail, loosing custody of her kids, etc. I was only seeing the impact of her addiction. If I could tell her today how sorry I am for not taking the time to educate myself on addiction. I would hold her so tight and ask for her forgiveness. I would tell her how much I miss her and how much I love her. I would tell her all the wonderful qualities that she has and that she was so loved by so many. I would tell her that I will stand by her side and do what ever is necessary to help her so she would not feel alone. I would tell her that not only was she my sister, but she was my best friend. I would make sure I expressed to her how much so meant to me and how we all loved her. I would take the time to treat her special, because she didn't allow that for herself, sadly.

Their Name

Daniel Nadal

Their Nickname

Danny

Birthday

3/28/1985

Age at Time They Passed

32

Date Passed

11/23/2017

Your First & Last Name

Tia Guerin

Relationship to Loved One

Sibling

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Caring, friendly, smart, funny and social.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Distant, manipulative, mean, isolative, unpredictable.

What made them smile?

His family, girlfriend, friends, job.

What do you miss the most about them today?

Building a relationship, he never met his nephew...I miss what could have been...

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

Come to me for help. I love you, and always will.

Their Name

Patrick M. Mullen

Their Nickname

Pat

Birthday

5/23/1983

Age at Time They Passed

32

Date Passed

7/8/2015

Your First & Last Name

Janell L Mullen

Relationship to Loved One

Parent (Biological, foster,step)

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

My son, Patrick was a beautiful baby. He had piercing blue eyes and a sweet disposition. He was easy going and very intelligent.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Patrick’s struggled with and against this terrible addiction for many years and like most cases he lost his battle.

What made them smile?

Patrick loved his Son Conor, His family and friends. He loved the Pittsburgh sports teams and watching Andrew Zimmermans bizarre food show .

What do you miss the most about them today?

I miss his smile , talking with him during the Pittsburgh Steelers games and all the fun we had fishing.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

Patrick, I understand and I will always will love you

Their Name

James C. Walton

Their Nickname

johnny

Birthday

12/5/1963

Age at Time They Passed

54

Date Passed

4/21/2017

Your First & Last Name

marianne walton

Relationship to Loved One

Sibling

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

My brother served his country,he was my my father figure,my friend,he had a family .he touched many lives and enjoyed making people smile .he loved being outdoors wether it be on the grill,in the shed,gardening,as long as he was in the fresh air.he like hunting & fishing but never any time .he put others peoples needs before his own .

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

My brother got clean a couple times,i helped him the second tim and he stayed that way 4 months until he died.His struggles were depression,,he told me he he was sick of being treated like a child at home,so he chose to stay in the garage for years . he was always happy when we talked almost every day.

What made them smile?

his son,me,going to see his mom,freedom. being treated like the man he was.

What do you miss the most about them today?

his voice it was incredibly dewp

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

i love you . wait for me . he called me before he used the heroin but i was busy and i was making sauce but the next call was about him being unresponsive. i have no idea want he wanted from me when he tried to call me and hour earlier.

Their Name

Tyler Deater

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

4/28/1993

Age at Time They Passed

21

Date Passed

8/14/2014

Your First & Last Name

Tracy Deater

Relationship to Loved One

Parent (Biological, foster,step)

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Tyler was a very social person. Always made people laugh with his great sense of humor. He had the most contagious laugh. He was a very loving, caring brother, uncle and son.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Tyler struggled with Herion for about 2 years he came and asked for help we sent him to rehab but honestly 32 days is way too short. He stayed clean for 6 months when depression hit. He was working nights so he never seen friends or family. He intentionally overdosed for the amount of drugs he took.

What made them smile?

Friends and Family he was the comedian of the family

What do you miss the most about them today?

His hugs, the Hi Mom, the I love you every night. His big smile and laughter

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I’m sorry I wasn’t more educated on Herion addiction. I miss and love you so much

Their Name

Anthony Fiore

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

10/11/1989

Age at Time They Passed

24

Date Passed

5/31/2014

Your First & Last Name

Valerie Fiore

Relationship to Loved One

Parent (Biological, foster,step)

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Anthony was a loving and kind son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He liked to work out at the gym, go to the movies, cook for the family, and hang out with his brother and friends.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Anthony struggled for 6 years with opiates and heroin. He was sober for 8 months and used "one more time" and lost his life.

What made them smile?

Being with family and friends made Anthony smile.

What do you miss the most about them today?

I miss everything about Anthony. I miss his laughter, his smile, his jokes, his hugs, and his face.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I would say, "I love you Anthony, always have, always will."

Their Name

Matthew Fothergill

Their Nickname

Matt

Birthday

10/23/1990

Age at Time They Passed

26

Date Passed

11/8/2016

Your First & Last Name

Anthony and Karen Fothergill

Relationship to Loved One

Other Relative

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Matthew was smart, funny and full of life

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Matthew broke his neck playing High school football. He was prescribed an opioid for pain. Matthew became addicted to the medication which led to his 8 year addiction. He wanted to get better and take control of his life again. He entered a 2 year rehab program and excelled in his sobriety until he relapsed in 2016, which ended his life.

What made them smile?

Spending time with his children and his family was most important in his life.

What do you miss the most about them today?

His beautiful smile, his warm hugs, his quirky personality and sense of humor. His love and compassion to help others.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I love you son

Their Name

Brianna Elizabeth Franklin

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

3/18/1994

Age at Time They Passed

21

Date Passed

7/3/2015

Your First & Last Name

Shannon Ashley

Relationship to Loved One

Parent (Biological, foster,step)

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Brianna had a bubbly and outgoing personality.

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

She started at a young age experimenting with pills and alcohol and progressed to harder drugs eventually finding heroin was her drug of choice.

What made them smile?

Her friends. Her love of music. Being outdoors, whether hiking, camping, fishing, swimming.

What do you miss the most about them today?

She was my baby girl and my best friend. She left a huge hole in my heart and I miss her so much everyday.

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I love you so much and I'm so sorry I wasn't there when you needed me.

Their Name

Their Nickname

Birthday

Age at Time They Passed

Date Passed

Your First & Last Name

Relationship to Loved One

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

What made them smile?

What do you miss the most about them today?

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

Their Name

Their Nickname

Birthday

Age at Time They Passed

Date Passed

Your First & Last Name

Relationship to Loved One

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

What made them smile?

What do you miss the most about them today?

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

Their Name

Erik Kuhner

Their Nickname

No content available.

Birthday

No content available.

Age at Time They Passed

24

Date Passed

4/8/2015

Your First & Last Name

Lauren kuhner

Relationship to Loved One

Sibling

Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*

Funny, outgoing, caring

Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder

Was a way of self medicating

What made them smile?

Friends....

What do you miss the most about them today?

His smile and laugh

If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?

I miss you, I love you, I forgive you.