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

Evan was an only child who had an exciting and adventurous life. He traveled the world. Having grown up in the Clearwater, Florida, area his whole life, he had a passion for the water. His happiest times were boating with his father and many wonderful friends over his lifetime. He most loved lobster diving in the FL keys. He also loved golfing. Evan was very intelligent, well rounded, and so kindhearted. He had no tattoos or body piercings. He fought hard to beat his addiction, especially the last few years before his death. He was in and out of rehab and that was a battle alone, just handling the insurance companies and finding the right level of care at just the right time. Evan had the biggest heart and expressed so much love and gratitude for the support given by his parents and by me. I know he’s still with me. I want to write a book about it all. He was an amazing person on so many levels aside from his addiction. When he smiled he smiled with his whole face. However, he would tell me about the shame he felt and the guilt for its impact to his parents lives. He was hurting emotionally so badly and also developed very serious health issues related to the addiction that complicated his rehab. Evan kept the 11th Step Prayer over his bed, “Lord make me a channel of Thy peace...” which ends “It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen”

Chris was loving and kind. His family and friends meant the world to him. He was loved by many and will be missed by many.

Tommy fought long and hard to beat his addiction. He was a kind son and brother who we all miss dearly--more than words can express.

Logan was always a brother to look up to or a son to be proud of. He taught himself many different instruments including guitar and piano that helped brighten up those around him. He may have had his faults but that didn't stop him from loving or being loved. This world is too uncertain to let loved ones slip through the cracks. If you or someone you know is trubbled with something, either major or minor, lend an ear. It's the least that could be done and it may save a life.

Tyler had a large heart and was a very understanding young man, who was kind, generous, and very smart. He graduated eighth in his class out of 347 students. He went away to university on an academic scholarship. While in high school, he loved to play tennis, and he was captain his senior year, was a member of several clubs, including the chess club and debate team. He loved soccer, he liked to go fishing and hiking, and he was very active. He was a precious, precious soul. Forever 22. Never forgotten, always loved, always remembered. Tyler James Kemp: Son, brother, uncle, friend.

Parker was my husband and the love of my life. He had a crack addiction and was an alcoholic. He passed away due to these two diseases.

Jared was amazing. He was smart and kind and patient. He struggled very much with his addiction. He helped many people who were also struggling. He was such a great gift. He had such a talent with people. He was always trying to make you laugh. He was sensitive. Being a grown man he would show emotion. He was just simply amazing.

He was a wonderful son and daddy, so caring and loving. I love and miss my son Alan so so much.

I miss her beautiful smile and the way she could make you laugh on your worst day. She was always smiling, no matter how her day was going. She was a very loving young lady who lost her battle to addiction on September 22, 2015. A day I will never forget.

December 23rd would have been Hope’s 23rd birthday. Instead, we lost her to carfentanil, 100 times more deadly than fentanyl on August 16th. Her father found her dead in her car at the parking lot behind Dillard’s. What’s burned in my mind is the image of her, dead in the hospital, ash grey, with her eyes open and blood running from her mouth. Then we went to the funeral home the next day to see her before she was cremated, which is what she wanted. Her body was frozen, and wax was on her lips to keep them closed. No one can EVER understand the agony of losing your child, EVER! It’s all you think about, all day, every day. Crying, depressed, and there’s nothing anyone can do. We are suffering, realizing that it’s for the rest of our lives. I’m so sorry for all of us that have lost a child. This was MURDER, and I will do whatever is possible to find this person. You have no idea that what you did has ruined our lives. God Bless you Hope Margaret. I only pray that I see you again. I love you more than anything.
Your loving Father and Mother.

Tiffany (TJ) Milner was a vibrant, loving mom. Her daughter was her every breath. She was committed to her community and helping anyone who needed her. She believed in education and was working on furthering her own education. Every day, I miss her smile, her voice, her strength, and wisdom. I miss seeing her with her daughter and all the giggles and laughter. If only I had known her inner battle with opioids due to chronic pain. My heart aches for her.😇

My son was a Beautiful Loving Caring Man. Very talented artist! He is missed in this world by his family and seven siblings here on Earth. Gone but not forgotten! 😇❤️🙏🏼

My sister was smart, beautiful, funny, artistic, authentic, and never on time for anything. She loved food, family, and celebrations.  She had so much goodness in her, and if you talked with her long enough, she'd convince you of the goodness in yourself, too. 

Being judged on account of addiction hurt her deeply. It really is one of the few diseases that people feel they have the right to chastise a person for having.  

Karissa had made so much progress and was excited about her future. She had plans, ideas, and wasn't going to let anything stop her. 

All of that changed when she went to sleep on that August night and never woke up. 

Our lives are forever altered by the void that her absence has left. 29 years was just not enough time. We love you forever, sweet Karissa. 🍀❤

This is my late best friend's daughter. She died of an overdose on 12/14/2017.

I knew Nicole since she was 8, she was 33 when she died. She had drug problems on and off until she went to jail. She maintained recovery for 6 years, but then started dabbling again.

Well her mother, my best friend, died of an overdose on 12/3/2015. Nicole spiraled out of control until she didn't wake up.

This is the last photo she took of herself. It was taken less than 12 hours before her death. She will forever be beautiful, forever 33.

Nicole left behind two boys. I am very active in the youngest son's life since I've been here since his birth. He's seven now and is sad because he feels like he's starting to forget his mommy.

I lost my daughter who was 5 months pregnant from an overdose. She battled heroin addiction 10 years. I miss her laugh, her infectious smile, her heart, and our relationship.

I miss your smile, I miss our talks. I miss everything about you.

My son had struggled with opiate addiction since he was 17. He would do great for years and then something would trigger him. He so much wanted to kick his addiction and be a great father to his three children, Chloe, Lexi, and Timothy. When he was doing well he was so great with them. Several years ago he went to a KC football game with his father and brother and they had the best time ever. He loved his family and would give people the shirt off his back, he had many tattoos to express himself. He was a great mechanic and handyman. We love him dearly and would do anything to have him back.

Meghan would be the only one who could honestly tell her story but unfortunately, she is not here. Her death after 20 years of fragmented treatment tells it all.

Meghan grew up in a middle-class home, was educated and loved. She had talent, loved kittens and excelled in sports. Meghan wished to be married have children but the disease of addiction landed her on the streets hustling for the next fix until it killed her.

Joseph was the most loving child and grew up to be the most caring person with a huge heart. I treasure every moment of the 24 short years we shared together. He was smart, funny and athletic. Sports injuries and prescribed opiates certainly contributed to how he lost his life to this senseless disease. I pray my beloved son is at peace now living a beautiful eternal life and I look forward to our reunion when that time comes. In the interim, in his honor, I will continue my purpose here to help other families struggling with this disease. I have the most powerful Angel guiding me 💙