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Heroin Support Blog

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Heroin Memorial - 2014/01/25 - Deandra Sams - Age 20 yrs - Rock Creek, Ohio

Share Your Loss

Wednesday, 30 December 2015

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01/25/2014 - Deandra Sams - Age 20 yrs - Rock Creek, Ohio

Submitted by: Kari Rhodes - Parent

Name: Deandra Sams
State: Ohio, 44084
Date of Passing: 01/25/2014
Date of Birth: 10/05/1993
Age: 20

Tell Us About Them:

Deandra always had a passion for art, music and children. Deandra spend a lot of time with her little sisters and her friends babies. Deandra would take her friends babies for a day just to give her friends and break. Deandra was extremely intelligent and started college at Kent state University while still being in the 11th grade high school. She was complicating but very loving. She never ended a conversation or even argument without saying "be safe and I love you." No matter how mad she was at anyone.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Deandra began to show signs of drug use at 17 yrs old right before high school graduation. She had been on pain pills for back pain and a broken wrist prior to this. Deandra attacked me in my sleep while still in her work uniform and I knew she was sick from there. I called the police in hopes they would take her to the hospital and test her. They did not test her but put her on probation and ordered her to 30 days of treatment. I sent her to Florida for treatment and hoped she would start fresh down there. She finished her 30 days and decided not to go on with their aftercare. She came home and completed 6 mths of Intensive Outpatient Program. The night she died in was out with my husband celebrating my birthday because she encouraged me to celebrate. Her 4 yr old little sister found her slumped against the wall in her bed with brown stuff running down her arm (deceased). She ran and got her 11 yr old sister and they went to the neighbors house. The coroner took her before I could make it home. That was the last I saw my baby girl. Her brother was 17 and now the struggle would begin with him as well.

What Made Them Smile?

Children, music, and friends. She was always pranking people and making jokes.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss the way she spent quality time with her little sisters and brother. I miss her smile and voice. I miss even the arguments. I miss everything.

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

I'm sorry I couldn't save you. I was supposed to protect you and I feel like I failed. I worked too much, went to school to much and somhow I missed something. You didn't even drink alcohol and we're deathly afraid of needles. I would have never imagined you getting involved in heroin. I love you so much forever and always. I'm happy you are no longer suffering.