Fighting the Drug Crisis
In 2019, I found a video on Facebook that stopped me in my tracks. It was a snippet of one of Marc Mero’s presentations, and it brought me to tears. My oldest daughter was struggling with addiction, and that’s why it hit me so hard. I knew immediately I needed to bring Mr. Mero to my community, and I did just that.
Marc presented to my area’s middle and high school students and was well received. He did a nighttime presentation as well. I stood in the back of the auditorium, silently praying that his message would get through to as many people as possible. If his message could save one person from losing their life to drug abuse, then I knew it would be worth it. I was proud to be able to bring Mr. Mero here, and it was possible through the generous donations from area businesses.
After the presentation, Marc told me that he received many messages from students in the audience. They had found someone to reach out to–someone who touched them and opened up floodgates of tears. He became a shoulder for these kids to lean on when they felt no one else wanted to listen. For that, I am so grateful.
I never dreamed that I would lose my daughter to an overdose death, but in January 2022, I got that text. Mari died of an accidental fentanyl overdose, and she was gone forever. This can happen to any parent, any family reading this … don’t think it can’t. What are you going to do to prevent it from happening to your child? Your child’s friends? The kids on your block or in your schools? Your neighbors? It’s time to be proactive and jump into battle.
As the drug crisis worsens … as fentanyl overdose deaths skyrocket … it’s important for all of us to rise up and fight. What are your gifts? What are your talents? What are your strongest points? Pick one, run with it and find a way to influence anyone around you. This is a war that will last a long time, and we need to be going into battle to save lives.
For ideas or to join me as I continue to fight for those struggling with addiction, please reach out to me.