Heroin Support Blog

2014/11/28 - Matthew Wells - Age 29 yrs - Greenwood Lake, New York

Submitted by: Eileen Wells - Parent

Name: Matthew Wells
State:  New York, 10925
Date of Passing: 11/28/2014
Date of Birth: 11/13/1985
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

Matthew was kind, sensitive, and compassionate. He loved computers, and loved playing around making websites and playing on the internet. He was admin to many addiction help facebook groups. He was quiet, and shy, but loved to laugh. He had a childlike quality about him.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Matthew sturggled for over 10 years with addiction. He began using oxycontin, and the past 7 or 8 years it was heroin. He went to Florida in 2008, and spent 4 years down there shuffling between treatment centers, halfway houses, and had some arrests. He was in 5 treatment centers in his four years. A few of them were for 3+ months at a time. He OD'd in 2012, and spent a week on a ventilator and suffered some minor brain injuries as a result of the OD. I brought him home to NY where he relapsed. He began the Vivitrol shot, and was doing good for over a year. But an old friend from his hometown got in touch with him, and within a month, he succombed to his addiction.

What Made Them Smile?

Matthew had a silly sense of humor, so he was easy to make smile. And Chinese buffet dinners was a favorite for him as well.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about him.

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

I don't know if I could ever think of one thing I would say, but if I had to it would be that I loved him unconditionally. And I tried so very hard to help him. But I realize that it was he who had to save himself.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/08/08 - Andrea Wolf - Age 30 yrs - Nesconset, New York

Submitted by: Rosann Wolf - Parent

Name: Andrea Wolf
State:  New York, 11767
Date of Passing: 08/08/2015
Date of Birth: 08/04/1985
Age: 30 

Tell Us About Them:

Loved family parties, music, tattoos, writing.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Never gave up trying to stay free. Did everything she could, rehabs, therapy, medication.

What Made Them Smile?

Her nieces and nephews, especially her Goddaughter.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her beautiful smile, laugh and her hugs. Watching tv together.

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

You are loved more than you could ever imagine.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/10/27 - Bartoz Kortokozski - Age 20 yrs - Cazenovia, New York

Submitted by: Courtney Parisou - Friend

Name: Bartoz Kortokozski 
State:  New York, 13035
Date of Passing: 10/27/2014
Date of Birth: 1/28/1993
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

Bart came to America, from Poland in high school. Everyone wanted to know about him & everyone wanted to be his friend. He was a wonderful person, always helpful, always trying to make people smile & constantly making jokes and being a wise ass. He loved his friends dearly, and always had someone with him cause of his popularity.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

As one of his best friends, I honestly didn't know about his addiction. He hid it from me and everyone who was his friend in high school. It was after high school that everyone stopped keeping in touch so much.

What Made Them Smile?

Hanging out with his friends, being with my dog, going out on adventures after school.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laugh, his smile, his polish accent, venting to my best guy friend I had.

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

I wish I could have helped you, and I wish I never told you I hated your girlfriend cause that's what kept me and you apart. Maybe it was her jelousy of our friendship. Or maybe she was hiding the fact that she got you into heroin & didn't want me to know.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/04/05 - Steven Joseph Fermaint - Age 23 yrs - Bridgeview, Illinois

Submitted by: Anna Prete - Parent

Name: Steven Joseph Fermaint
State:  Illinois, 60455
Date of Passing: 4-5-2013
Date of Birth: 10-25-1989
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Steven was a beautiful young man with a loving and joyous personality! He did not discriminate against anyone... He had his whole life ahead of him. He was 6 months away from graduating college at Illinois State University on a scholarship from the state of Illinois to be a special education teacher when his addiction started. We found out at his wake from the superintendent of the high school he graduated from that he had his last interview and was already hired!!! He loved helping other people and always found the positive side of everything even if it was a bad situation. He touched so many lives and it showed ... There were over 2000 people at his wake!!!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

We found out about Stevens addiction when he overdosed for the first time. It was at the neighborhood Burger King.. He went into convulsions and fell out of the booth.. People were stepping over him like he was a bumb!!! He was minutes away from loosening his life when the ambulance arrived. He went into a treatment center and I thought that's all it would take and that he would overcome it.. Bot was I ever wrong!!! When Steven came out he was sober one week and overdosed again in our bathroom!! He went on to battle his addiction for three years.. Through that time he went through countless treatment centers.. Halfway houses sober homes and a sober Christian home.. He overdosed many more times . Through it all though he never lost his faith in Jesus or God!!! He used to tell me "mama I want to stop but I can't!! It turned my beautiful loving intelligent son to someone we no longer knew!!!

What Made Them Smile?

Everything made him smile!!! He had a smile that lit up a room and his face from ear to ear!!! His brothers made him smile... His friends.... His girlfriend... Music sports... He always had a smile on his face.. Everyone misses that beautiful smile!!!

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about him!! His laugh , his smell, his jokes, his goofy dancing, his contagious personality , his hugs, but most of all I just miss him!!!!!

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

If I had the chance to say one more thing to him it would be so so much!!! That I never stopped loving him, that Through everything I was still very proud of him and everything he accomplished in his short life and most of all that his death was not in vien!!! By sharing his story it has already saved 2 lives and hope by continuing to share his story it saves more!!! I will love him and miss him forever!!!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/05/31 - Anthony Fiore - Age 24 yrs - Warrington, Pennsylvania

Submitted by: Valerie Fiore - Parent

Name: Anthony Fiore
State:  Pennsylvania, 18976
Date of Passing: 05/31/2014
Date of Birth: 10/11/1989
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Anthony was a kind hearted person and he had God given intelligence. He would make friends with those who were shy or were shunned by the "in" crowd. After Anthony passed numerous young men told me stories how Anthony went up to them, and introduced himself to them. One story I will always remember is the following: In middle school, the kids had to make groups for a project. This one boy didn't have a group to belong to. So Anthony left his group and went up to him and said, "Let's make our own group" They were friends ever since.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Anthony had a 6 year struggle with addiction. It started in 12th grade with Oxycontin, then proceeded to heroin in his sophomore year in college. He tried to stop many times. Anthony was in 3 rehabs, all 28 days or less, which is a drop in the bucket. That is why it is so important we get Anthony's Act made into law. He was sober the last 8 months of his life, and we were a happy family again. Anthony wanted to get high one more time with his "best friend" and that one time took his life. His "best friend" let him die.

What Made Them Smile?

Anthony loved to cook and eat. He was in his element when he was making a meal for the family. He also greatly enjoyed eating the meals.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss Anthony calling me "Mudder". I miss seeing my 2 boys together. I miss Anthony's laughter. I miss Anthony's beautiful face.

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

Do you have an early morning sales call? Because when he would have answered yes, then I would have checked on him sooner, and maybe saved him.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/08/19 - Megan Orange - Age 19 yrs - Flint, Michigan

Submitted by: Michelle Patton - Parent

Name: Megan Orange
State:  Michigan, 48507
Date of Passing: 08/19/2013
Date of Birth: 08/16/94
Age: 19 

Tell Us About Them:

Megan was a very sweet, nonjudgmental person who loved art from day one. She participated in various art walks and shows and sold and displayed her art. She had so many friends, and people remember her mostly for her sense of humor, her laugh and her ability to be everyone's friend.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

I wasn't aware there was a struggle with addiction at all . her passing from a heroin overdose was a complete surprise to me. Although her sister noticed a change in her actions and personality, she suggested there may be an issue but I asked and she denied it. Ithat was a few days before she died. 

What Made Them Smile?

She loved her sister and brother, underground and rap music, art, her pets and her friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss spending time with her, her phone calls all day just to say hi and see what I'm doing. Her cute giggle

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

I would tell her how much I love her.. Although I told her every day numerous times, I'd want to tell her one more time. . I'd tell her how important she is to me and how I would've done anything to help her with this struggle she hid so well

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/04/13 - Ashlee Nelson - Age 21 yrs - St. George, Utah

Submitted by: Stacie Nelson - Parent

Name: Ashlee Nelson 
State:  Utah, 84770
Date of Passing: 04/13/2013
Date of Birth: 12/05/1991
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Ashlee was such an amazing young woman a loving Mother,Daughter,Sister. She loved caring for the elderly and worked as a CNA. Her little boy was her life and wanted to badly to get clean for him.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Ashlee started using at the age of 15, when she found out she was pregnant she stopped using. But was draw back to this evil drig when her little guy was 5 months old. We didn't find out about her addiction until she was 20. She tried so hard to beat this evil drug but it had such a hold on her.

What Made Them Smile?

Her little guy.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything, her smile, her stubborn attitude, Her.

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

I love her and was so proud of her.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/10/27 - Jeffrey Clapper - Age 24 yrs - Syracuse, New York

Submitted by: jessica clapper - Sibling

Name: Jeffrey Clapper 
State:  New York, 13204
Date of Passing: 10/27/2014
Date of Birth: 3-20-1990
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

My brother was such a good person,with a huge heart,always joking around and laughing

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He first started doing drugs when he was about 18, it wasn't till he got into a motorcycle accident that he became addicted to prescription pills and eventually turned to heroin

What Made Them Smile?

anything with a motor :)

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss talking to him

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.

2015/10/03 - Josh Lindsey - Age 37 yrs - Afton, New York

Submitted by: Jessica Lindsey - Spouse

Name: Josh Lindsey
State:  New York, 13730
Date of Passing: 10/03/2015
Date of Birth: 6/28/1978
Age: 37 

Tell Us About Them:

Josh was a loving father of our four boys. I miss my handsome husband. One of a kind, my soulmate, my eternal love. We miss you Josh. Every single moment.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Josh struggled with addiction for most of his life. He never wanted to succumb to this demon life, it just took over his entire being. He started using hardcore with cocaine, and oxycontin along with alcohol. Up and down, up and down, he tried to stay away from it. We moved, it followed. 21 years of my life with this man and I didn't even know he used heroin. I thought about it a few times, but was too scared to ask and possibly get an answer I couldn't handle. So, I found out about his addiction when the coroner called me to come identify his body at the morgue. So many hearts stopped beating that day. I will not ever shy away from asking, I will never be ashamed to speak up, never again will I take way the chance of saving a life. You will hear my pain, and hopefully you'll never see it.

What Made Them Smile?

He had the most handsome precious sons that made him the proudest father in the world.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his face. His knowledge, his strength, his heart that loved me so hard, his laugh.... Silly sense of humor. My one and only love, I miss you being here with me.

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

You were right, I will forever be your wife!!!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute

08/26/2015 - Alison Shuemake - Age 18 yrs - Middletown, Ohio

Submitted by: Dorothy Shuemake - Parent

Name: Alison Shuemake 
State:  Ohio, 45044
Date of Passing: 08/26/2015
Date of Birth: 12-21-96
Age: 18 

Tell Us About Them:

She was smart and funny and could play any musical instrument she tried. She had a beautiful voice. She loved her family and friends. Her favorite color was sparkle.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

She started a couple years ago with alcohol and pot. Then she experimented with other drugs. Rehab, IOP, etc. We thought things were going ok. She had her first apartment and car, 2 jobs. But she decided to try heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

Talking with her friends or siblings, telling us about her makeup or outfit or hair, going shopping, baking, teasing me, listening to her music, and driving all made her smile--almost as much as taking selfish did!

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss snuggling up to talk, watch a movie, take a nap, or make one of us feel better. I miss watching you grow into adulthood. I miss just having you around to see beautiful you and to hear your voice.

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

I love all of you. You were right about several things :) I miss you with every fiber of my being. Being YOUR mom is the best thing I ever did.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/03/10 - Tony Edwards - Age 33 yrs - Des Moines, Iowa

Submitted by: Deb Green - Parent

Name: Tony Edwards
State:  Iowa, 50317
Date of Passing: 3/10/2013
Date of Birth: 9/6/1979
Age: 33 

Tell Us About Them:

He was a very fun loving, free spirit kind of guy with the kindest heart you could ever imagine. He would help out anyone and refuse to take any money at all. He had so many friends that at the memorial we did not even know half of them that came to show their love and support for him and the family. It truly showed us just how many people he had touched on earth while he was here. He hated to see anyone hurt or struggling, putting himself last always. He loved family so much and he was all about family. So fun and silly, he even could laugh at himself he didn't care as long as others were laughing.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

His struggle started at 15 yrs of age with huffing, alcohol, and meth. Then into his later teens he turned to cocaine and then started smoking crack. In his early 20's he got into the opiates with pills, percocets, vicodan, methadone liquid, morphine. His first overdose was with liquid methadone and he was in a coma for 9 days and they said he was going to die and to bring all family home right away and we did. But then a miracle happened and he started to wake up, they tried taking off life support and we were very nervous about the brain hypoxia and how much damage had been done. He knew all of us, but was quite fuzzy and did tell us that he had been jumping on the clouds with kids and dogs, we think he just may have passed over for a bit? He then went home with his wife and children, they hadn't had their last one yet, just the three boys. He was scared for just a little while about drugs, but it was not long that he was at it again. This time he started shooting drugs dilaudid, morphine, oxycodone and then they got too expensive so he turned to heroin, and overdosed again and he was in drug court at the time and of course dropped dirty because he overdosed and they took him straight to prison from ICU, he was so weak. He was in prison for a year. He was paroled to my house, because he and his wife used together and that would not have been a good idea. He did very well for a long time, got a job, a nice home, got his DL which had been barred for years and had a nice red truck that he just loved. Life was good or so I thought, until March 10,2013 when my daughter who lived down the street from me came screaming and knocking all the way down on my house saying Buddy's dead, and that is when my life shattered and my life changed in that instant to never be the same again. My baby was dead, my worst worry and nightmare.

What Made Them Smile?

The #1 thing first and foremost would be his kids, he loved fishing and grilling anything to do with the outdoors. He loved family dinners and going out to eat. Eating was one of the things people would laugh at him about because he never was a big guy. But, if you could see him eat once, you would wonder why. He also liked stand up comedy and he and his step dad could sit up all night and laugh like two teenagers, those were fun happy memories. He just always hated drama and wanted everyone to get along, that is what made him the most happy.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His cute smile and huge hugs saying I love you mama, and never getting embarrassed about being teased about being a mama's boy, he would just laugh and say yep I sure am!! And, he was, he was a sick baby after birth so he was always pretty spoiled because he was in the hospital so much. As his mother no one thing really sticks out, I would have to say EVERYTHING I miss about him from head to toe.

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

I would tell him I always loved him unconditionally and forgive him for anything he thought he may have done to hurt me. I only wanted him to be happy and safe and to not have to fight the demons all the time. He was never at peace, and my hope is that he now has found that. I would tell him I think of him morning, noon and night. And, always wonder if I could have done something for him to save him. Son, I love you and every year, every month, every day, every minute, every second you consume me, and my heart hurts for you, but this I can handle as long as you are happy and at peace, that is my wish. I know the good relationship you always had with the Lord and that also gives me peace. I love you baby so much and miss you just as much, until we meet again my heart will always be with you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/08/26 - Luther Combs - Age 31 yrs - Middletown, Ohio

Submitted by: Dorothy Shuemake - Friend

Name: Luther Combs
State:  Ohio, 45044
Date of Passing: 08/26/2015
Date of Birth: 12-19-83
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

He had such a good heart. He didn't understand why anyone would do kind things for him without expectations. He loved his family and God.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Many years spent battling addiction and all the bad that comes along for the ride.

What Made Them Smile?

Seeing his family and loved ones, sharing a meal and some love and laughter

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Showing him that he deserved love and kindness

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

Watch over David and tell Allie I will love her forever.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute

2015/03/05 - Ej Savignac - Age 33 yrs - Norwich, Connecticut

Submitted by: Shelley Linevitch - Sibling

Name: Ej Savignac
State:  Connecticut, 06360
Date of Passing: 03/05/2015
Date of Birth: 11/01/1981
Age: 33 

Tell Us About Them:

Ej had a Big heart and loved and missed his 3 children.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

We grew up in a addiction home and it affected him more than any of us. HE was in and out of jail and rehabs/ halfway houses for most of his life. He was 30 days out of a 90 day program when he od'd

What Made Them Smile?

His children when he wasnt using..

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

When he wasnt using he he had a good heart but wasnt very often in adult years. But I really do miss everything about the last few horrible pain in the ass years I had with him probably because I just love and miss him and would give anything to have the nagging and all that bull I put up with... :(

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

Sad to say but had I known that all the years and tears and crap I put up with from you would end like this I would not have stuck up for and tried so hard to help you. I was your biggest supporter/ only one who had hope and in the end all you did was use and lie to me. I forgive you once again!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/05/29 - Chad Robinson - Age 23 yrs - Frankfort, Kentucky

Submitted by: Kimberly Rojas - Parent

Name: Chad Robinson
State:  Kentucky, 40601
Date of Passing: 5/29/15
Date of Birth: 3/1/92
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

He was a very living son he loved his family was the best BOTHER ,uncle And Daddy he took Care of his daughter everyday till he passed she had just turned three his family misses him everyday

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He started in high school on pills but it was not a everyday thing mosly he smoked weed he struggled with heroin for about a year before he passed he would tell me he didn't have a problem he knew what he was doing is what he would say so if you read this and you use and you think the same way well NOT TRUE

What Made Them Smile?

Family his daughter and nephews and niece he was a joker loved to make people laugh

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Everything his voice his laughter his hugs watching him be a great Daddy his love

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

I miss you!!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/06/05 - Dustin Bolen - Age 24 yrs - Troutville, Virginia

Submitted by: Elaine Kanode - Parent

Name: Dustin Bolen
State:  Virginia, 24175
Date of Passing: 06/05/2015
Date of Birth: 11/27/1990
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Dustin was a kind heated, sensitive, loving, witty and smart person. He liked to act like he didn't have a care in the world and was tough, but the people that really knew him saw through that persona.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled beginning in his early teens with years of repressed anger towards his father's abandonment of him in addition to being bi-polar and having ADHD. He began to self medicate with pot and OTC medicines. About 4 years he made the grave mistake of trying heroin for the first time. He attempted many times to get clean and was clean for 17 months prior to the day of his OD thanks in part to meeting the wrong person...and one week later he was in the hospital on life support.

What Made Them Smile?

His little boy who was almost 3 when his Daddy left us. All he wanted was to be the kind of father his son could be proud to call his daddy.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile, his beautiful eyes and hearing him say "I love you Mom".

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

That I love him so much and feel so lost and empty without him and that I promise to make sure his son knows how much he loved him and that he never wanted to leave us.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/10/02 - Derek Windover - Age 23 yrs - Adams, Massachusetts

Submitted by: Dawn Windover - Parent

Name: Derek Windover
State:  Massachusetts, 01220
Date of Passing: 10/02/15
Date of Birth: 11/03/91
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

He just was wonderful.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Derek had problems with alcohol - lots of alcohol problems on both sides of his family. He started smoking pot and then was introduced to opiates. And when he lost his job and didn't have money he started on heroin...was on it for less than a year when he died of an acute heroin overdose.

What Made Them Smile?

His girlfriend, family, pets, best friend..he always smiled.

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?

How much I love him.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/01/31 - Dylan Pearson - Age 19 yrs - Saint Francis, Minnesota

Submitted by: Jennifer Nordeen - Parent

Name: Dylan Pearson
State:  Minnesota, 55070
Date of Passing: 1/31/2015
Date of Birth: 2/13/1995
Age: 19 

Tell Us About Them:

Dylan Bradley Pearson , born 2/13/1995, passed away on 1/31/2015 from a heroin overdose, after a 3 year struggle with addiction.

Dylan was my only child, and a great kid who still had so much to do. His life was cut short because currenlty we do not have proper treatment centers regulations that are needed to change lives. Our young adults between the ages of 18 - 25 have become the biggest concern, our nation has never seen an epidemic of this magtitude. Something has to be done and in honor of Dylan, we will continue to push forward. If you are looking for resources or have suggestions, please call us! All efforts are appreciated!

Here is some of Dylans story, through his battle of addiction:

March 11st, 2013 was the day that I found out my son, Dylan Bradley Pearson, 19 and my only child was using heroin. By the time I found out, heroin had already gotten its grip on him. It was the beginning of my worst nightmare.

Over the next year, he had gained 2 felony charges due to his heroin addiction. He was in 3 different treatment centers. In May of 2014, while he was IN a treatment center, which he was furloughed to, I received a phone call from one of his friends that he had overdosed and was in the Emergency Room. Worst drive of my life was to the hospital not knowing if he was alive. But luckily, he was. He survived this overdose. He was taken to jail 36 hours after he got there, and brought to jail for 30 days. 

He got out and began the same routine, as much as we tried to help, or keep him home, there was nothing we could do. We went to the extreme such as sitting in front of his room, and I had to get up for a minute and my husband went into the other room to take a call, and he went running out the back door. There was nothing that we could do. I never gave him money, but I did let him live at home. I talked to him every single day, and he did not want to live like that anymore. There was not a talk we had that I didn’t tell him how much I loved him. 

In October of 2014, Dylan agreed to go to Florida for treatment. So on October 10th, he boarded a plane to Florida. He didn’t want to be there from the get go, as his long time girlfriend lived here in Elk River, so he wanted to get back home. He walked out of the first center he was in and I refused to bring him home. So he partied for a few days in a hotel with some other kids that got kicked out for using. He then went to a halfway house down there until he then got himself into another center down there in which he completed. He received his completion certificate on January 17th, 2015.

He was 90 days clean.

I picked him up at the airport at 1am, and he didn’t know Jazmin, his girlfriend, was going to be with me. When I opened the door, she popped out; I have literally never seen Dylan so happy. He cried, he wanted to be home.

Dylan tried so hard but the first week, he fell back again. He went to court, and was going to be on probation, and seemed to be ok again. On the afternoon of January 30th, a friend of his called him to get rid of the rest of the dope he had before he went into treatment. I could tell he was high when I got home from work, but he hung out with me all night, and we had fun. He seemed fine when I told him I loved him and went to bed about 12:45. 

Dylan went to bed, and never woke up. 

He died January 31st, 2015.

In his bed.

In our house. In his room.

The blood curdling scream from my husband is one that rings in my head daily. Our worst nightmare had come true.

My only child is dead. 

I don’t remember much about that day, but I do know that my life will never be the same again. Every day when I walk into my house, his shoes are still where he had them and his jacket on the banister where he left it. He will never have our midnight snacks we had together, every night for years. Dylan and I were very close, and we talked 10 times a day on the phone, and 1000 texts from me, making sure he was ok. He will never have the chance to get married, and have kids, and travel, and do all of the things that a 19 year old should be doing. 

Dylan was so funny. He was quiet, but when he did talk, he was funny. He and I always knew what each other was thinking, and we talked, good talks, all the time. Jazmin and him had been together since they were 13. She was the love of his life. They were best friends. Dylan had so many friends that cared for him, and have so many stories that I still hear every day.

He was a good athlete, loyal, handsome and genuine. I cannot put into words the pain that this has caused me and my family. My mission has now become to help others get into treatment, and help change the system we currently have. This drug has killed too many young men and women, and I fought this fight with him the entire was through his addiction. Some days I keep thinking that I will wake up and this is all a dream. 
Lets do all we can to help them get the help they need, break the stigma, and make some changes. 

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

What Made Them Smile?

His girlfriend Jazmin

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?

Love you again

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

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2012/06/15 - Amy Dean - Age 32 yrs - Trinity, North Carolina

Submitted by: Deborah Dean - Parent

Name: Amy Dean
State:  North Carolina, 27370
Date of Passing: 06/15/2012
Date of Birth: 05/13/80
Age: 32 

Tell Us About Them:

Amy was always, quirky, creative, artistic, and loved her music and her friends. She was the sweet little wide-eyed girl in her dance costume, loved animals and lauhing with friends. She earned her Associate Degree in Graphic Arts, and she was an accomplished artist, selling many of her pieces.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Amy was injured in a High School soccer game, received meds for pain, and then it began. She had no say in how her life would go after that. 
I'd like to believe that if I'd known then what I know now, I could have had an impact on her addiction. Or that her family might have been able to reach her. As close as she was to her sister, Anna, she did not share with her how serious and lost she was. About 2 years before her death I forced her in to a rehab when I discovered the depth of her drug addiction. Her ongoing battle with personal problems overwhelmed her and she relapsed. In spite of my efforts to do all the suggested things, tough love, no enabling, and not allowing her to live with me, she fell into another relationship, married for 18 months. He wanted to "try heroin", bought it, and she died. Living through all of these things and struggling through anger and forgiveness is so very hard. Amy was also bi-polar. The lack of treatment of her health problems contributed immensely to her continuos relapse.

What Made Them Smile?

Her son. Amy always smiled a little brighter and soared a little higher when she was with him.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her smile the most. In the days after addiction we all saw that bright flashing smile less. I miss her spontaneity and her boundless, endless ability to just "be". She was always herself and at the funeral services one of her best friends summed her up beautifully and said, "her very humanity spoke volumes of who she was and will always be to many."

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

There would be so many thins I'd want to say to her now. I can barely thing of only one. But I think it would be important to her to hear about Aidan, her son. He was 7 when she died. She knew how remarkable he was. And I'd want to tell her how right she always was. And of course I would say, "I love you".

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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2015/03/05 - PJ Remenowsky - Age 26 yrs - Maineville, Ohio

Submitted by: Debi Harris - Other Family

Name: PJ Remenowsky
State:  Ohio, 45039
Date of Passing: 3/5/15
Date of Birth: 6/11/88
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

PJ lived his family, keeping his car looking brand new, shooting his guns and spending time with his girlfriend, Katie.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

PJ struggled with Addiction for 10 grueling years. He tried his hardest but the demons are relentless.

What Made Them Smile?

He had the brightest smile. Friends and family made him smile most, especially his Momma.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

We miss his presence. The joy he brought to everyone.

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

Rest easy dear PJ and One Love always.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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2013/11/04 - Kali Perry - Age 19 yrs - East Syracuse, New York

Submitted by: kacy perry - Sibling

Name: kali perry
State:  New York, 13057
Date of Passing: 11/4/2013
Date of Birth: 3/12/1994
Age: 19 

Tell Us About Them:

kali was a beautiful, loving, thoughtful, wild spirited girl. She cared about so many. She always made everyone laugh. Her smile was contagious. She was known for her beautiful blue eyes. She was not only the life of the party persay but the life of our family. she was the best sister anyone could ever ask for. she did anything for anyone in a heartbeat when they needed it. she loved her friends and family and enjoyed being around them and having fun. she was a very talented artist. she could do anything she set her mind to. she loved to draw and paint in her spare time. she was very intelligent a high honor roll student. she had a little chihuahua that she loved more than life, i have him now and hes the best thing that i have that reminds me of her the most. my sister, my best friend forever and always.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

it took some time before all of us knew what was going on. she tried rehab and signed herself out continued to try and fight the horrible drug on her own about a month or so later she passed away

What Made Them Smile?

being around her friends and family and her dog (her baby) nonnie. kali smiled all the time. Her smile lifted others up when feeling down.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

everything. her smile, her laugh, and most of all our talks and her guidence.

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

i love you and miss you so much. i wish you were here to spend the rest of our lives with us but i know you are up there watching over all of us especially mom she needs you the most. you are missed by so many people. forever loved. our guardian angel

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.