Heroin Support Blog

Our goal here is to provide our readers with the latest information about the signs substance abuse disorder, support groups, treatment options, life in recovery, prevention & advocacy in our communities, and how to deal with the grief of a lost loved one. If you have ideas or suggestions that you wish to share with us here please use our "Contact Us" page at the very bottom of this page to email us. You can click on our Memorial Map to add your loved ones tribute to the map and then a few days later we will add them to our memorial blog.

Heroin Memorial - 2015/05/05 - Cree Robinson Castro Topp - Age 19 yrs - Rio Rico, Arizona

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05/05/2015 - Cree Robinson Castro Topp - Age 19 yrs

Submitted by: Susannah Castro - Parent

Name: Cree Robinson Castro Topp
State:  Arizona, 85648
Date of Passing: 05/05/2015
Date of Birth: 12/09/1995
Age: 19 

Tell Us About Them:

Handsome, talented, sweet, and brilliant. Cree could have done anything he choose with his life. He was always light years ahead of the crowd with his thoughts and ideas and understanding of life. Sometimes that made it hard to fit in. He was the most loyal person I've ever met. Once you were his friend he would do anything for you. He always just wanted a life where everyone was happy and he was close to his family and friends. His safe place was at home and he didn't stray far. Cree carried a bright light with him. The warmth of his light was felt by those he was close to. This light is still here and felt daily.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Cree became hooked on painkillers at age 14 and spent the next five years doing battle with opiate addiction that finally graduated to heroin in the final 2-3 years. He tried to hide his addiction- I think he thought he could overcome it on his own. We didn't know how severe it was until the last 6 months of his life. He was brilliant and sweet and pretty darn good at hiding things. He ever asked for help and he should have. But he didn't know any better than we did that he was doing battle with an addiction that needs lots of help to survive.


What Made Them Smile?

His family, his dog Tallulah. His friends. Making great jokes. Good food.Making Good music. Making other people happy. Holidays. Having fun. Cree had a zest for life and experiences.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Cree's smile. His laugh. His jokes. His sweetness. His kind heart. His hugs. His silliness. His joy in life. His loyalty. His brilliance.


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

I love you. Thank you for being a part of my life. You shine.

CreeRobinsonCastroTopp2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/03/21 - Alyssa Anderson - Age 24 yrs - Waunakee, Wisconsin

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03/21/2015 - Alyssa Anderson - Age 24 yrs

Submitted by: Annette Renk - Parent

Name: Alyssa Anderson
State:  Wisconsin, 53597
Date of Passing: 03/21/2015
Date of Birth: 10-07-1990
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Alyssa was a beautiful spirit, a nature lover, animal lover, and wanted to take care of and love any creature that most others would think unloveable. She had a great and quirky sense of humor and loved to read.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Alyssa had struggles and incidents in her life that I believe contributed to her addictive tendencies. She struggled with alcohol, pain medication and heroin abuse. We attempted to get her help, but she refused to admit her problem. She did go to a 6 week treatment program prior to her passing, but overdosed within 2 days of her return home. I found her...worst moment of my life, the image will be in my mind forever.


What Made Them Smile?

Her love, Mason, playing in the rain, her kitty Nico, and finding quirky things at thrift and antique stores. Such a silly girl!


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her voice...she would call me Maja, I miss that. She would laugh, and say I sounded like a hooker when I would walk in clunky noisy boots or heels! Her goofy sense of humor, and thrift shopping with her. She was special!


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

I'm sorry, I wish I had done more sooner, I love you SO much!

AlyssaAnderson2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2014/12/03 - Cory Hecht - Age 26 yrs - Fenton, Missouri

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12/3/14 - Cory Hecht - Age 26 yrs

Submitted by: Robyn Hecht - Parent

Name: Cory Hecht
State:  Missouri, 63026
Date of Passing: 12/3/14
Date of Birth: 1/14/88
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Cory was my everything! He loved skateboarding, music and his cat Miley.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Cory struggled with addictions from age 12 with different substances. He became addicted to heroin at the age of 18 after we made him leave home due to his lack of following house rules and lack of respect due to his many addictions. We allowed him to return home several times only to find him using drugs again. He went into rehab numerous times without success. We finally relocated him to our cabin out of town and financially helped him out only to find out he again had relapsed on heroin. We had just helped him to detox over Thanksgiving in 2014 and he passed away to a fatel overdose of heroin laced with fentenayl. We were on our way to the lake to see him when we received the dreaded call he was deceased. Our lives changed in that instant, never to be the same again.


What Made Them Smile?

His friends, his cat Miley, his parents and his X box games.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His beautiful smile and hugs when he knew I was upset and sad.


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

I LOVE YOU!!!

CoryHecht2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/10/11 - Julian Nicholas Nava - Age 26 yrs - Los Angeles, California

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10/11/2015 - Julian Nicholas Nava - Age 26 yrs

Submitted by: Diane Fonseca - Parent

Name: Julian Nicholas Nava
State:  California, 91606
Date of Passing: 10/11/2015
Date of Birth: 122788
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Loved his family.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

The hardest thing as a parent having to see your child struggle addiction


What Made Them Smile?

His son


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss my sons voice...and smile...


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

I love you so much son.

JulianNicholasNava2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/08/20 - Christopher Cook - Age 40 yrs - Cincinnati, Ohio

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08/20/2015 - Christopher Cook - Age 40 yrs

Submitted by: Lori Cook - Sibling

Name: Christopher Cook
State:  Ohio, 45239
Date of Passing: 08/20/2015
Date of Birth: 09/16/1974
Age: 40 

Tell Us About Them:

My brother was a wild funny person. He left three kids, his parents, and sister, and many friends and relatives.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

My brother had an addiction for lots of drugs. He however was in denial because he said he didn't use every day. He had two ods which I was able to save him with CPR. The third one it didn't work out that way.


What Made Them Smile?

Making people laugh.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His crazy jokes and sayings and our talks everyday.


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

Each time I did CPR I was cussing and yelling I hate you. The night he passed in my arms I felt his last heartbeat after giving breaths and scooping puke out of his mouth and wiping it out of his eyes which were open. I went outside after the paramedics worked on him for 20-30 minutes and declared him gone, I went outside and shouted You Dick you're a liar. Just days before I told him I was proud of his supposedly 5 months clean off heroin. I WANT HIM TO KNOW I DID AND DO LOVE HIM THAT'S WHY I TRIED OVER AND OVER TO SAVE HIS LIFE. He passed in front of our mom and my kids his nephews. I forgave him he was sick can't hate him for that.

You can read about the final hours of my brother's life by clicking here.

ChristopherCook2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2014/12/20 - Bethany Benney - Age 24 yrs - Warrenton, Missouri

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12/20/2014 - Bethany Benney - Age 24 yrs

Submitted by: Sheila Kramer - Parent

Name: Bethany Benney
State:  Missouri, 63383
Date of Passing: 12/20/2014
Date of Birth: 8/22/1990
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Could light up any room with her presence.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Struggled with addiction since she 14


What Made Them Smile?

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?

Please just come home and let me help you.

BethanyBenney 1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/11/02 - Jon Wilson - Age 25 yrs - Craigsville, West Virginia

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2015/11/02 - Jon Wilson - Age 25 yrs

Submitted by: Kimberly Duncan - Parent

Name: Jon Wilson
State:  West Virginia, 26205
Date of Passing: November 2, 2015
Date of Birth: August 5, 1990
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

My son was only 25. He decided to try heroin and it killed him, he died in his sleep the detective said. He was in TN only 5 months and he didn't even shoot himself up or buy it, he is the 8th person to die from the same seller but yet they ruled it as accidental overdose!! Autopsy isn't even back yet!


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggles since he was 14, started with Weed.


What Made Them Smile?

He always smiled around mom or made me laugh


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile and his advice


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

To move back home with mom☹

JonWilson1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2014/05/03 - James Hissry - Age 32 yrs - Rochester, New York

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05/03/2014 - James Hissry - Age 32 yrs

Submitted by: Joan Hessenauer - Parent

Name: James Hissry
State:  New York, 14609
Date of Passing: 05/03/2014
Date of Birth: 06/05/1982
Age: 32 

Tell Us About Them:

Jimmy was intelligent, sensitive, caring and gentle. He could have a meaningful conversation with anyone and was very loved by his family and friends. He loved reading, music, sports, cooking, the ocean, animals, and spending time with those he loved.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Jim battled mental health and addiction issues for many years. He was never able to stay in treatment long enough to get the help he needed.


What Made Them Smile?

Jim struggled so it wasn't always easy to get him to smile. But he did enjoy stand up comedy, and that would get him laughing.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his sense of humor, his intelligence, and all of the music he used to introduce me to. Most of all I just miss having him in my life.


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

I'm so sorry I couldn't save you. I will always love you.

JamesHissry1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2014/08/19 - Bryan Bingham - Age 21 yrs - Stittville, New York

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08/19/14 - Bryan Bingham - Age 21 yrs

Submitted by: Debra Bingham - Parent

Name: Bryan Bingham
State:  New York, 13469
Date of Passing: 08/19/14
Date of Birth: 06/20/93
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

He was hardworking, thoughtful, funny, an all around Everybody's buddy and everyone thought the world of him.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled for 4 months before his passing. He was very ashamed that this drug had such a hold on him. He was clean for 60 days and the day he was scheduled for outpatient is the day he passed.


What Made Them Smile?

His sister made him smile. They were the best of friends


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laugh was infectious and his kind heart


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

I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I wish I could have saved you!

BryanBingham2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/10/23 - Justin Klunk - Age 29 yrs - York, Pennsylvania

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10/23/2015 - Justin Klunk - Age 29 yrs

Submitted by: Allison Klunk - Parent

Name: Justin Klunk
State:  Pennsylvania, 17403
Date of Passing: 10/23/2015
Date of Birth: 03/20/1986
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

Justin was an avid poet who always seemed to write about his struggle with his addiction. He could make you laugh, even when you were having the darkest of days. He cared so deeply for his loved ones. His love of music you could hear daily throughout the house, all types of music he loved. His smile lit up a room!


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Justin started his addiction very young at the age of twelve with marijuana. It's quickly led to EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING that would make him high. Heroin found it's way into his life at the age of 18. He struggled with this disease from 12 years going from detox, to rehab, to recovery houses, to jail...and nothing seemed to help. I truly believe he wanted to stop, he just couldn't.


What Made Them Smile?

MUSIC! His daughter, Natalie, who is now 10. The Bible, and discussing religion with his Godmother, Rachel.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His antics. His wit. His smile. Him pinching my cheeks. His hugs...


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

You made me so very proud of you....your strength with trying to get clean, and all the years away from us that you took in stride. I just wish I could have helped you. Please know I would have done ANYTHING for you... my love is your always. xoxo

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/10/11 - Adam Turgeon - Age 27 yrs - Manchester, New Hampshire

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10/11/2015 - Adam Turgeon - Age 27 yrs

Submitted by: Lisa Fifty - Parent

Name: Adam Turgeon
State:  New Hampshire, 03103
Date of Passing: 10/11/2015
Date of Birth: 10/3/1988
Age: 27 

Tell Us About Them:

Most caring, loving guy you'd ever meet, he was my 2nd child out of 5...had the cutest curly hair as a baby, he was always happy and go lucky...had so much going for him.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Adam's struggle intensified after the loss of his 16 year old little brother in 2006 in a car accident, he never got over it and dealt with his pain in this manner.


What Made Them Smile?

His daughter Rylie


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Miss his smile and sense of humor


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

Shouldn't of happened :(

Adam Turgeon2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org    www.HeroinSupport.org 

 

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Heroin Memorial - 2014/12/11 - Alyssa Hendershot - Age 23 yrs - Parkersburg, West Virginia

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12/11/2014 - Alyssa Hendershot - Age 23 yrs

Submitted by: tina miller - Parent

Name: alyssa hendershot
State:  West Virginia, 26101
Date of Passing: 12/11/2014
Date of Birth: 02-16-91
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

2010 HS graduate, went on to collage. Had a little girl born 10-20-2011. Bright, beautiful, caring young woman. Had a smile that could light up a room.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Started with pain pills prescribed to her after having complications with the birth of her daughter


What Made Them Smile?

Her little girl Kamiron.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile, her laugh, her beautiful face. Hearing the words I love you momma.


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

How much I love you and how sorry I am for not being able to help and save her. That she was my strength, my first love, my everything.

Alyssa Hendershot1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/06/05 - Jacob Wallace - Age 20 yrs - Florence, Kentucky

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06/05/2015 - Jacob Wallace - Age 20 yrs

Submitted by: Jennifer Boyer - Parent

Name: Jacob Wallace 
State:  Kentucky, 41042
Date of Passing: 06/05/2015
Date of Birth: 06/11/1994
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

Athletic, funny, gorgeous, a friend to everyone, hard worker


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

many years of different kind of addictions, pills, alcohol, heroin was sober and clean for 108 days then relapsed when it took his life


What Made Them Smile?

Family and friends


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Smile, laugh, jokes, sillyness and his huge heart


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

Jacob Wallace1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/02/06 - Austin Bosken - Age 29 yrs - Cincinnati, Ohio

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02/06/2015 - Austin Bosken - Age 29 yrs

Submitted by: Susan Bosken - Parent

Name: Austin Bosken
State:  Ohio, 45238
Date of Passing: 02/06/2015
Date of Birth: 2/3/1986
Age: 29 

Tell Us About Them:

Austin was a very kind and gentle soul everyone loved him.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

his struggle started with pain pills 20013 and ended with heroin 2015


What Made Them Smile?

his children


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

his being


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

We love and Miss you with all our hearts and I will be with you when it is my time. Peace and Prayers with you always. Love, Mom

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/02/18 - Mick Hastings - Age 23 yrs - Indianapolis, Indiana

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2015/02/18 - Mick Hastings - Age 23 yrs - Indianapolis, Indiana

Submitted by: Denise Lee - Parent

Name: Mick Hastings
State:  Indiana, 46254
Date of Passing: 2/18/15
Date of Birth: 7/11/91
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

He was extremely talented writing and recording music. A lyrical genius who loved deeply. Mick was very loyal to his family, especially his brothers and myself. Everyone loved him and he could light up a room just by walking in.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

It started with pain pills after a brain surgery. He became very dependent on them. Eventually, the doctor took them away and he turned to heroin.


What Made Them Smile?

Writing and recording music, the NBA, chicken wings and his family.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laughter and witty sense of humor. My best friend, EVERYTHING.


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

I love you and never gave up on you.

Mick Hastings1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/06/25 - Krystyna KuklaSoulia - Age 31 yrs - Greenfield, Massachusetts

Krystyna KuklaSoulia

6-25-2015 - Krystyna KuklaSoulia - Age 31 yrs

Submitted by: Kathleen Schroeder - Parent

Name: Krystyna KuklaSoulia
State:  Massachusetts, 01301
Date of Passing: 6-25-2015
Date of Birth: 7-15-1983
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

She was a wonderful daughter, she was such a giving person


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

struggled with this disease for 10 years.


What Made Them Smile?

seeing her daughter.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about her, her smile, her laugh, how her eyes light up.


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

I miss you krystyna more then words can say. your are my baby my only child.

Krystyna KuklaSoulia1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2015-11-03 - Shane Arnold - Age: 22 yrs - North Chili, New York

 

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11/03/2015 - Shane Arnold - Age 22 yrs

Submitted by: Mark Arnold - Parent

Name: Shane Arnold
State:  New York, 14514
Date of Passing: 11/03/2015
Date of Birth: 12/17/1992
Age: 22 

Tell Us About Them:

He was a wonderful person who would of done anything for anyone.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled with heroin for the last couple years..on and out of treatment.


What Made Them Smile?

His family meant more to him than anything. Loved to be around them.


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 he is loved and missed

Shane Arnold1

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org

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Heroin Memorial - 2014/03/12 - April Louis - Bumpass, Virginia

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Submitted by: Annie Calloway - Parent
April Louis
Age: 30
DOB:  08/20/83
DOH:  03/12/2014
Virginia, 23024

Tell Us About Them:

April could light up any room with her smile. Her bubbly laughter was the sweetest music to your ears. She was a loving soul who loved deeply. Family meant everything to her. The happiest day of her life was when her daughter was born.

Addiction Struggles:

In and out of rehab, drug court, and last 18 months incarcerated.

What Made Them Smile?

Her beautiful daughter Katelyn.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile, bubbly laughter. Hearing her say I love you mama.

If You Had the Chance to Say One More Thing to Them Today:

I would tell her to fight, that she is worth it, that I would do anything to help her, I'd give my own life to save hers. That her daughter loves her and needs her. That I love her and need her.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel   #HeroinMemorial   #GoneToSoon www.HeroinMemorial.org

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