The National Addiction Memorial honors the loved ones we’ve lost.

My name is Chris, and I am a mom.....just a mom. Never in my life did I think I would be the mom of a heroin addict, let alone think I would lose a child to addiction. It is the most heart wrenching thing a person can experience, and I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. Brothers turn into an only child, a mothers heart is torn in half, and a brilliant child is lost to a world full of unknowns. Addiction effects the entire family, has no bounderies, and does not care where you are, how much money you make, the morals you were raised with, or the social circles you embrace. Addiction does not discriminate. Matthew was brilliant. He received an academic achievement award signed by President Bush, was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, played piano, violin, keyboard, and the electric guitar...tested into the gifted and talented program by the 2nd grade, and was on the President's Honor Roll through most of his High School years. The most caring and loving individual I have ever known......and addicted to heroin. Addiction is an illness that we must face head on, and fight like hell to conquer......and hope to save one more life. Every Person Initiates Change...let's get it started right here.

Addiction ripped my son away from life. He started using prescription pills in high school. Then the year after high school, 2009, he was introduced to heroine and I don't need to say anymore. The 6 months prior to his passing, Erik had overdosed 5 times. He finally succumbed to a lethal dose of fentanyl. Prior to that, Erik had always had a way of bouncing back and cheating death time and time again, and no matter how bad things seemed, we always held out hope that one day he would do what he needed to do to overcome his addictions. He was a very talented singer and songwriter. He was loved by his family. He was a son, a grandson and most importantly, a big brother. He is so deeply missed by his sister and brother, and me, his mom. This loss is devastating.

Erik's legacy is that of a very talented singer and songwriter. He wrote and recorded three albums in his short life. He was in the middle of recording his vocals on his third album with his band Kue the Sun when he passed. His brother and his friends in the band are working on completing his third and final album. A few of his final songs are about his struggles and torment of shattered relationships. But most of his music is so good that it could have been on the radio. I struggle every day with knowing that Erik's addictions prevented him from being the man and the musician that he had the potential to be but just never had best options available to him to get better.

Erik left behind so many incredible memories, and so much great music. Every time he opened his mouth to sing anything, whether he was freestyling over one of his band's riffs, showing them a new thing he came up with, or even singing in the car to a song he liked, he'd have you in a complete trance. Music was his passion and he really was a gifted and talented songwriter. And, if I may say so myself, he was very very handsome. He could have been anything he wanted to be. And that is the sad reality of what this opioid epidemic is taking from this world. A generation of gifted and talented young adults who could have contributed to this world but instead leave behind loved ones who are shattered in grief.

How can simple words describe sorrow? With the passing of each day, our anguish may ease ever so slightly but the magnitude is such that we may never truly be at peace. A peak to high, a cloud too wispy and an ocean too deep.

However, our marriage was strong, now stronger; our family was tight, now tighter; our friends and our entire families were always there, are now here.

We see and sense Jack each day in different ways. A blue jay, a cool breeze, a stranger's laugh in the street, a fond memory or just an invisible touch. We wholeheartedly believe that Jack is in Heaven and his eternity is now a mission of a guardian for his family and friends, as he would here, offering encouragement, acts of kindness, perseverance, strength and courage. All with his wonderful laugh, voice of sympathy, an amazing wit and charming smile...This is how we see our dearest Jack... in our heart, our soul and our memory, forever.

We thank Shatterproof for all it has done and will do. The messaging is incredible and vitally important. We are now a part of this family. It is our most sincere wish that even the smallest of benefit from Jack’s memorial will offer a sliver of comfort and solace to someone in need.

Jim and Joan McMahon

Chris spent most of his life fighting addiction. But he had the biggest 💓 in the world. He taught me not to settle for nothing. That I deserved to be treated like a princess. He was protective of the ones he loved. He will be missed and thought of everyday. #allmylovetotheheavens

Keenan had a wonderful, outgoing personality and was extremely sensitive and caring. As a young boy and as an adult, he was well-liked by all his peers. He was smart, articulate, and very handsome. He loved drawing free-hand mandalas and was an excellent writer. Keenan held his emotional trauma inside and by using drugs to "take away his pain," he became an addict. He had a lot of remorse about his addiction and felt as if his whole world was collapsing around him. We loved Keenan so much, and he loved us so much. We pray he is at peace. He is now our loving angel.

OLEN DANIEL THRASHER best brother I could ask for he was loving caring and a funny person everyone loved him he service in ARMY and fought for his country he was here for a short while but he helped A LOT of people he was well loved by A LOT of people. He will truly be missed. R.I.P MY BUBBA OLEN DANIEL THRASHER I LOVE YOU

I met Brian when I was just a teenager I fell for him pretty quick... We were off & on for a long time.. when I got pregnant he was right there we were so excited. We lost our lil girl when I was 7 months along, she was stillborn. I don't think I would of made it through that without him then we got pregnant again and had Emily we were so happy.. But things didn't work out we both made mistakes even after we broke up we remained friends sadly I started using.. He was still was there for me even after I spun out of control.. till one day he didn't want anything to do with me.. I figured it was cause of how screwed up I was.. I thought it was my drug issues that made him not want to be around me.. I knew he used to party but I thought he stopped he worked hard and had another kid.. No one knew he was using as much as he was.. I got the phone call that broke my heart Brian was gone and now I had to tell our daughter.. He was an amazing father and a great friend he was also a very hard worker even the people he worked with had no clue.. He worked for a funeral home and I wonder didn't he see enough people dying because of this crap? Im so hurt and sad and now my daughter doesn't have her father were both broken I decided to share this hoping to help someone else.. Hoping to make a difference.. To many people are dying.. To many kids are losing their parents.. I am so grateful to be in recovery for 3 years and counting.. Losing Brian and many others made me realize the hole people leave when they die too soon.. not only me & my daughter but all his friends and family are grieving. R.I.P Brian we miss you & love you

Kevin my gentle son, always said he had a wonderful childhood, sports, music, friends. But when addiction took a grip on him he lost everything, most of all his feeling of pride. He used to say I wish I had cancer mom because then people would help me. There’s not a lot of hope for addicts. It’s a difficult lifelong uphill battle. It’s a sad existence and the family suffers through it also. It wasn’t addiction per say that killed Kevin. He committed suicide because he was embarrassed by what he had become. People used to say “just stop”. If you understand addiction at all you know it’s not that simple. So let’s get the word out! We love you Kevin. Still waiting for you to come through the door and say “hey ma”.

Mandi informed me that she had been using alcohol since the age of 9. I was a part of her life from birth to death. With the exception of a 20 year span when we lost touch. Upon re-uniting with her after this 20 year loss I learned of her struggle with alcohol and other drug addictions. She beat and recovered from drug abuse. However, alcohol was beating her down and she eventually lost her battle with this ugly substance. Through all of this trauma and fight with addiction her family suffered too.
Knowing Mandi, her smile was infectious. It never ceases to amaze me that through all her fight she remained positive. She always had a smile and looked to help others overcome drug addiction. She cared deeply for her 3 sons. Emilio, Dante and Averi. This disease of alcoholism took their mother away from them.
Mandi will live in my heart forever! She was such a beautiful person fighting a battle with as much grace as she could muster. She was unable to win the battle of alcoholism but she did effect others in a positive way.

Tyler had the most contagious laugh, most beautiful smile, and the kind of eyes that would stop you in your tracks. He had such passion and purpose in life for all things good. He loved his family, and was the protector of his girls (Sisters, Mom, Nana). If you were ever feeling down, you could count on Tyler to turn your frown around, and having you laughing and forgetting all of your worries. He was a natural born comedian that had a knack for cracking jokes at the most inappropriate times. He always made you feel comfortable and loved, as well as understood and heard. He loved to grow all of the things, and cared for his garden filled with flowers and baby carrots. He took this passion he had for the Earth, and went to college to be an Environmental Scientist. He made some of the best friends he has ever had in his life during that time period, along with his life long friends that he has has since grade school. His Pappy was someone that he strove to be like, and even self proclaimed himself as being "Pappy Thorne." Tyler also enjoyed going to the mountains to visit his dad and take off on dirt bikes and his 4-wheeler, as well as work on cars and play video games. He also loved playing video games, hunting, and fishing with his step-dad. Not only was Tyler a person to completely change your mood, he was also insanely compassionate, crazy kind, and loved so much, you would swear he had the heart of a lion. Everyone gravitated toward him, and he was a breath of fresh air. He was a guy's guy, but had such a sensitive and deep soul. He also enjoyed sports like football (go Falcons & Big Blue), basketball, and baseball. Tyler loved all kinds of music, and enjoyed sharing new bands he found with his friends. There isn't one genre of music that he didn't like, and he would listen to the same songs over and over until you liked it too. He was very charming, captivating, and knew how to sell ice to an Eskimo. People like Tyler are extremely hard to come by, and when you find one like him, it is really tough to lose them. Tyler may be gone, but he lives in the hearts of the people he has touched and loved. He will be forever 23, and always in our hearts.

Born into this world with a ton of love! Everyone enjoyed being around Steven,he was the light in so many lives. Loving ,caring good hearted man. If you needed a laugh he was the one to call! He was an inspiring young chef that landed the job of his dreams. After working in the restaurant industry's since the age of 15 he finally found a place that recognized the talent that he had. New job a steady 9 months clean and happy as would be! The night before Easter Sunday,April fool's day 7:45 pm I talked to my son. Steven I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Steven invited the family for Easter brunch at the inn that he worked at. Can't wait to See you mama! We had our conversation about how good the food will be ,what time we will meet a and if he can sit with us for brunch . We ended the conversation with I love you Steven ,I love you to mama! As we getting ready to leave for our brunch ,my phone rang ..... The next time I saw my son was on weds. @ 3pm. R.I.P. My handsome baby!

Reggie struggled with addiction for over 13 years he died from issues caused by his drug use. He was a good father to his 4 kids .Nautu ,Deon( died age 15 mo), ReAunna and Jorden he cherished and loved them !! He would be proud of them! Addiction causes hurt and loss in all of us .Reggie will be waiting for us ! We love and miss you!

Our loving son, Christopher Patrick Finkel, died On April 21st, 2018 after a lengthy battle with
addiction. During his short life, Chris witnessed more than a dozen of his friends lose their battle with addiction and there were countless more victims in our community and across our country. Our family is committed to turning our grief into action so other families can be spared the pain of watching their child suffer with this disease.

As a youth, Christopher had a passion for soccer. He was a member of the top travel teams in Ohio. He enjoyed the competitive nature of traveling to tournaments across the Midwest and Eastern US. In his middle-teen’s he transitioned to other pursuits including golf and snowboarding; which ultimately led to him working the ski season at a resort at Lake Tahoe after high school. Shortly after this time, the tentacles of addiction starting controlling Christopher’s life. He loved his family deeply and carried a special bond with his father Mark, and Grandpa Gary and Grandma Judy in New York.
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Despite his suffering, Christopher remained a kind and gentle in his soul. He was a loving son and brother, and a faithful and true friend. We have been comforted by the number of people who knew Christopher this way, including those who knew him as a child as well as those who knew Christopher only recently. Christopher was full of charisma and personality. He believed in living life to the fullest every day. He valued his friends and family and gave all his love to them completely, especially his girlfriend Brooke.

Most people remember Christopher’s wonderful smile and beautiful eyes. Christopher was also an awesome person, a motivator, and a dreamer who genuinely cared for others. He was full of charm and could capture anyone in good conversation. Christopher had many talents and when he put his mind to it, he could do anything. One of the things he used to love to say was “keep moving forward” Christopher once posted a quote: “The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about

Christopher suffered from addiction, a disease he struggled with for many years. While he was unable to overcome that battle, he was a fierce and persistent fighter who lived every day of his life as fully as he could. The Bible says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong.”
Christopher’s place of rest Holy Cross Cemetery, Etna Ohio. We encourage our friends to check out the addiction services offered by Shatterproof. Your support of programs like Shatterproof (https://www.shatterproof.org/ ) are critical to eliminating the disease of addiction. . “ I imagine heaven as a place where dreams come true. A place where someday I will share eternity with you

The Finkel Family

I met Bobby 17 years ago we were friends first then started dating and finally fell in love. We got married 13 years ago and have the most incredible 12-year-old daughter. Bobby fought long and hard with his disease he was in and out of detox, rehab, therapeutic communities, jail, prison, psych hospitals, living on the street because his disease was stronger then recovery. When he was clean life was great working, vacations, family time, attending meetings. But when his disease took control he was gone for days at a time, no money, not paying Bill's, missing family events, losing jobs.

He finally lost the fight in May, but he never stopped fighting. Love and miss you Bobby. R&R

First of all Richard was a loving caring person, husband, and a friend. He got attracted to the different drugs out here at a young age. It had been recently before he passed that he had got addicted to heroin. It first started when the doctor's stopped prescribing his pain medication. He had all types of pain issues from scoliosis in his back, to sciatica, and then his knees. He had knee surgeries. Which lead him to go to the streets for Vicodin and such, then that got too expensive, so he turned to the heroin. There is not a day that doesn't go by that I don't think of him. I still can't believe it is coming up on 2 years since his overdose. I miss him so much that I want honor him in this walk. To try help others see what can happen if they don't change or get help. If Richard would've lasted another week he would've had a bed at Stella Maris.

I miss her smile, I miss her laugh, I miss everything about her. She was my baby sister. Addiction took her. It almost took me too. It's just not fair. I don't know what else to write here. I just miss her so much...😥😥

Your smile could light up any room, your laugh was contagious. I miss your voice and talking to you for hours about anything and everything. The world isn't the same without you in it babygirl 💜

Where do I begin? Joe has been a part of my life for 28 years. High School sweethearts, married and have three amazing daughters. We lived a simple life together but had tons of fun. He was a talented welder and worked very hard for our family. I miss EVERYTHING about him and our time together. I’m lonely, sad, mad, scared and still numb. I want this to be a nightmare that I wake up from and he’s laying next to me.... Joe always said, “I know what I gotta do!” When it came to his struggles with addiction. But clearly he didn’t. I will always wonder what was going on in that crazy head of his!??!?! I hope he knows how much I loved him, respected him and most of all how much I will miss him !!! Please keep me & my girls in your prayers. Thank you, Momma