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

Megan was an excellent student, who took her studies seriously and enjoyed reading. She was athletic and liked running, playing soccer and skiing. Megan liked to watch movies and TV shows on Netflix, her favorite on Netflix was Grey’s Anatomy. She also loved listening to all different types of music. She was previously a peer minister at her local church. Megan belonged to a business fraternity at her college and loved to come home to be with her beloved dogs. Most of all, Megan enjoyed getting together with her family and the time spent with her cousins. As one of the oldest of over fifty cousins, Megan was respected for her genuine, kind spirit that made everyone feel loved and accepted.

Heather began suffering from addiction about 8 years ago. It took a long time to understand that this is a disease that she did not have control over. We tried everything we knew to help her but she wasn't at a place where she was prepared to accept help. I choose to remember Heather as an amazing big sister and friend with a spunky personality, incredible laugh and love for music. She was an incredible person and to see her struggle with addiction was heartbreaking. Heather is now at peace and by sharing her story, maybe we can change someone else's story.

Christopher was a sweet, compassionate soul loving all who came into his life. He was passionate about human rights and all were equal in his eyes. He loved music, playing his guitar and had an amazing sense of humor. His greatest wish was for people to understand those struggling with the disease of addiction and for there to be equality for all who need healthcare, regardless of income.

Chris started using drugs at an early age, graduating from marijuana to opiates, synthetics and crack. . He tried many, many times to stop and had started attending NA meetings a few weeks before he died. He truly believed he would beat this disease some day. He wanted to finish college and take care of his children. He was young, though, and felt invincible so gave in one last time. He didn't want to die, but his luck ran out.

He never sugar-coated his struggle with drugs and I won't either. This is a nasty disease and we need to do more. He would want us to talk about it.. rage against it.. fight for access to affordable treatment. Stop stigmatizing addiction so people suffer alone and die. Push back against unethical pharmaceutical companies and over-prescribing doctors and most importantly educate.

Please let there be no more Christophers.

As a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, you could not find a better person than James.

James had many talents as a musician, singer, songwriter, skater, writer, hiker, snowboarder and traveler but the accomplishment we think James would be most proud of is when someone called him "Best Friend".

James lived an exciting life that he filled with caring for his family, making friends and creating experiences. With writing and drawing among his many passions, we were left a treasure trove of his creations that brings him alive.

We would like to share the piece James wrote and we had engraved on his urn.

"Never mind the weather - Be damned if I've been better. Me and you party like we've not lost our souls."

Aimee was a beloved mother and friend to everyone. She loved to welcome people into her home and entertain. No one would ever leave hungry! She had a special way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. Her outgoing personality made it easy for her to talk about anything to anyone. There was never a lull in conversation.
However, her struggle with alcoholism was something she kept mainly to herself. She feared that it would change the way those around her viewed her. As her daughter, I witnessed firsthand how hard she fought to combat this disease.
She will be greatly missed by all.

My son Branden came into this world 6 weeks early. He had health problems at birth. He struggled through school with learning disabilities. He got married to Nicole Eller and they had a beautiful little girl named Haley. Branden was a wonderful, sweet daddy and son! Six years ago, Nicole passed away. Branden had developed Type 1 Diabetes and struggled with health problems. He never seemed to recover from losing his wife. He also struggled with addiction. As his Mom, I helped him with Haley. Branden went into a diabetic coma on April 25, 2017, and went to be with the Lord. He will forever be missed by his beautiful little girl and his Mom and the rest of his family!

Wesley had a passion for visual arts. He was a musician, a talented artist, and also a passionate gamer. A movie and television buff, Wes loved to discuss the latest series with family and friends. But most of all, he loved spending time with close friends and family. Wes was a loving son, brother, fiancé, grandson, nephew, and friend.

With an outgoing personality and an easy smile, Wes will be remembered for his unique sense of humor. He had a great ability to put a smile on someone's face and was always willing to help those in need. Wes had a truly giving heart and deeply loved his fiancé and family. He will be greatly missed.

He battled hard and fought the disease of addiction and tried his best to help others walking the same path. He certainly left a great impression on those he walked with on the journey of life.

Caleb struggled with opioid addiction for five years. He desperately wanted to beat this addiction and fought fiercely, especially during the last year of his life. Caleb made many great friends on his journey of recovery and sobriety. He also lost many dear friends to overdose along this journey. As we all know, addiction does not discriminate and people from all walks of life are touched by it. We love you Caleb, and we will never forget you!

A good person passed this way. Barbara "Denise" "Nici" Bilton fought her addiction for many years. There were successes. Her life was not a failure although she never had the chances that many of us take for granted. There were people - men - in her life who should have watched out for her, taken care of her, been there for her. She had to take care of herself though and tried the best she could without ever feeling sorry for herself. She loved - and was loved - and will be dearly missed by so many, especially her sons Bobby and Corey and Corey's family - wife Annette and their children Allanna and Arrianna - granddaughters Desi and Rayleen. For those suffering this day from addiction, strength and peace to you. Remember Denise. Remember them all.

Daniel was a very kind generous person that would help anyone in need. Daniel would often hand write bible devotions for himself and for others as his way to battle the Primary Medical Disease called addiction. Daniel lost his battle while trying to find a provider for his 9th successful consecutive Vivitrol injection. He was denied this medication that all physicians can administer without any special training for NO legitimate reason. Even the Montgomery County Ohio Public Health Department Drug and Alcohol service agency could not find a provider. It is easier to get prescription opioids than to get opioid addiction treatment. This is the mission Daniel wants us to resolve. Please consider supporting this effort. Daniels Law Ohio HB 167 & Senate Bill 119

https://youtu.be/kEPsvQx-Qvs

Brandon was born as the only boy to his mother Karla, and has two sisters Nicole and Sara. He always had a reputation for getting along with women very well and joked around with family as saying to everyone that "pimpin' ain't easy" but deep down in his heart, he lived and breathed for his two daughters, Hailey and Aubrey. He was a good man and always worked hard when he was clean and sober. There were so many times that his family remembers, such as having cookouts at Aunt Kelly's house and he would always make sure to crack a few of his famous jokes while eating some of his favorite baked beans. Needless to say everyone that knew him has their own special and fond memories of him, but most of all we all knew that he had a deeper, darker struggle that he was never quite able to completely shake. He would always have long periods of time where he was doing really well and all of his family would be so happy to spend time with him during those times and those were the times that his true colors would really show. He was always so happy and goofing around, but when he would start using again he would become a different version of himself and close himself off to those that he loved as if he was ashamed. He was sent away for a while, got arrested, and got out again. We thought for sure that he was going to make it this time, but then something changed one more time and that was all that it took. Those demons got their hooks in, but the angels had the last say and took him to heaven that day. His birthday was the day that he was pronounced as no longer having brain function and that was the hardest day for a lot of his loved ones. It was a hard and awful day, no one was wanting or expecting that news for someone so young, only 34 years old. He made sure not to leave us with nothing to remember him by. We have all of our amazing memories, and he was an organ donor. His liver and heart went on to save some other people's lives. Not only was he an amazing person in life, but he was that same wonderful person in his passing. We will always remember his bright smile, warm hugs, loud laugh, and his ability to make any situation a memorable one. Rest in heaven Brandon. #Hustle

Jane was a caring and loving sister and friend to many. She struggled with addiction for over 10 years, ultimately giving her life to this battle.

Derek was my first son. He was my pride and joy. I did not have his brother for four years. I was a hippie and took Derek picketing with me. He was very comfortable. He grew up idealistic. and society had disappointed him on many, many levels. A sensitive and creative person who loved to write. Went away to college for both his bachelors and masters degrees. It was during this time he discovered vodka and how it took the edge off socially for him. Years of rehab, losing friends to addiction, sobriety, and could not stop the cravings. Coroner has not determined cause of death yet. He died at home. He had fallen off his bed during the night. I found him that morning. Derek I love and miss you so much.

My beautiful and goofy son! He had a huge heart, was very loving, playful, and his favorite hobby was sports. He played football and wrestled in high school. He was an electrician apprentice and a recent daddy to his beautiful baby girl. Also, he considered his girlfriend's little boy his own. He loved spending time with his babies and loved them with all his heart! He is missed dearly and loved by many.

His struggle began in high school, after being injured playing sports and breaking his elbow. He had four total surgeries due to injuries in high school playing sports (wrestling and football). He became addicted to all the pain killers the doctors prescribed. Unfortunately, he struggled until March 25, 2017!

JOSE WOULDN'T LET ANYTHING GET HIM DOWN HE ALWAY'S KEPT HIS HEAD UP HIGH WITH PRIDE HE HAD MANY FRIEND'S HE WOULD PUT HIS FAMILY FRIST THEN WORRY ABOUT HIM SELF

After Misty passed, so many people (family, friends, and just people she had met through blogs) posted about how much she had changed their lives...how much she meant to them. Here are just a few of the quotes that give my family and I a little comfort knowing that even though she was only here for 39 years, she did great things and was very LOVED!
"Your infectious smile & beautiful eyes will stay with me forever. I'm so glad you don't have to fight anymore. Rest in peace my sweet friend. You will forever hold a piece of my heart"... "You're what kept me going through all my rough times and made me realize that there was always someone out there thinking about me...please know, wherever you are, that I'm thinking of you, and sending my love"... "I don't think I have ever thought of you as a cousin, you have always been my sister and I always will be. I love you Misty Lynn"... "We had so many great times at Hood. All like sisters just learning military life and dealing with deployments together as one group. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten".... "You had one of the most genuine hearts I ever had the pleasure to know, and I will miss seeing it. I will keep you in my mind and heart and I am grateful for the chance to say I was friend's with you."... "We clicked with each other and we would always sit and talk on breaks and lunch. She always talked about her kids and how great they were. We talked about everything else about life as well. Being the same age as her kids, I loved the mother-daughter like talks. I was sad to see her leave to another store but I was always happy for her and all to come. Hate to see a good person go. Misty won't be forgotten" ..."Misty was a special person. Her smile was contagious. She was always helping others and her giving ways inspired me."..."My dear Misty your smile brought so much happiness to everyone. What a bright and full of life young lady. I felt blessed to know you. May your family find comfort and peace"..."Gone too soon but never forgotten. You're a beautiful soul that helped me see the light when I was deep in the dark. I enjoyed getting to know you. Fly high my friend!!" ..."I know your angel wings are going to be busy... but what a beautiful angel you are"..."Misty Lynn, you always wanted us to apply for The Amazing Race and travel the world. Well you are now on your own amazing travels so until we meet again I will miss you and think of you every day" ..."Your angel wings were ready, but my heart was not"... "Misty, we love you to the moon and back"

Garrett Robert Moody, born June 19th 1989, of Point Marion died June 2nd 2017, of an accidental overdose after battling addiction for over half of his life. Outwardly, it looked like Garrett had it all: support, love, intelligence, talent, amazing family, loving girlfriend, working at a job that he loved.

He enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, getting together with family and friends, spending time with his girlfriend and their puppy daughter Lola. He was an active member in the NA community and was working the 12 steps with his sponsor. He hoped to help others fighting addiction, to travel, to have a family of his own, and to own a food truck. He loved playing with yo-yos and doing research on new technology. He especially loved hiking and randomly climbing rocks and walls, making everyone around him nervous. He was adventurous with a big sense of humor.

Garrett had a very opinionated personality that showed his individualism and intelligence. He was open-minded, thoughtful, and accepting. He did not judge others; because he knew everyone is fighting their own battles; just like inside he was fighting his battle against addiction and anxiety.

He tried so hard, and fought for so many years. He was in many rehab facilities and even jail. Garrett was a good person, with a horrible disease.

The disease did not let him out of its sight for one minute- he was constantly fighting. He lived in a world of chaos for many years. He had so many brushes with death that we are lucky to have had him this long. At one point, Garrett was clean from drugs and alcohol for three years. It was then that he really began to shine and more people could see the person he truly was, aside from his addiction. He was resilient and loved people unconditionally.

It’s important to not allow addiction to define a person. They are people with a disease. They are someone’s child, sibling, significant other, best friend- they mean something to someone. They also love and care about others, they do not want to hurt their loved ones or commit crimes and more times than not, it’s the shame and guilt of their behavior that keeps the vicious cycle of addiction continuing. They don’t want to leave their loved ones behind, grieving, asking themselves what they could’ve done differently or how they could’ve saved them. Garrett did not want to hurt us.

Garrett losing his life to addiction is not because of his “lack of strength” to “just quit using.” Most recently, Garrett was clean from drugs and alcohol for one year, but the relapse after having so much clean time is often deadly, because tolerance is lost. We thought Garrett was winning the battle and enjoying life again in recovery.

Love alone is not enough to heal addiction. Garrett’s family and friends loved him through it all. If love could’ve saved him, he would still be with us today. And addiction does not discriminate. Addiction does not care how well you were raised, or how intelligent and successful you are.

Garrett was so thankful to have the loving family and friends that supported him every step along the way. He never took anything for granted throughout his recovery. Garrett is not just another statistic of a life claimed by addiction. He fought the demons inside him for so many years, that although he will be missed so dearly and the thought of life without him brings unbearable pain, it is comforting to know he is finally in peace.

Although we are mourning the loss of Garrett’s beautiful life, we hope that bringing light to his struggle with addiction may help others- whether that is seeking treatment for yourself, supporting a loved one struggling, trying to understand addiction and mental illness, or just being more empathetic and compassionate to those suffering from addiction and the people that love them.

We miss everything about David.
We love and miss you David~