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

Ty and I met when we were just teens. We quickly grew close and soon enough, I was dating and in love with someone who I for sure was convinced that I was going to marry. Ty was the Ty we all knew: sweet, smart, and passionate about the justice he wanted to see in our society. He adored My Chemical Romance, Green Day, fashion (specifically his shoes), and a plethora of other things. He was a wonderful boyfriend, relationship partner, and most of all, a wonderful person to enjoy life with. He loved people so deeply, he cared about everyone he knew to no end.

I miss him all the time. Not one day goes by where he doesn't cross my mind or there isn't something that reminds me of him in some way. We were together for almost 3 years, and in those years, I've watched him grow and I also saw the ugly side of addiction. He was a fighter, no doubt. He'd express to me how he wanted to get better, how we wanted to fully kick them when we were married and had a family of our own. He was one of the strongest people I've ever met. I loved him eternally and I still do. He made me feel special in every way possible and in some cases, he was all I had. We had each other and it brought me so much comfort to know that I had someone who loved me no matter the circumstance. I remember he'd drive to see me after work. We'd aimlessly walk around stores, go eat, or go back to his place and just be one with each other. I was overjoyed to hear he'd accomplish his big goal: to graduate with high honors. I knew how happy he was to finally have a step in the career he wanted. He was so full of life and it will never fade away. He always lives in my mind and my heart. I wish he was here, but it brings me solace to know he is at peace with himself and the world he wanted to change. He is still so loved by his family and friends. His story will never be forgotten.

Joy of our lives, unforgettable loving son. That smile, that laugh, those hugs will be missed forever and your memory always in our hearts. Your accomplishments in your short life are forever etched in our mind and hearts on how proud we are of you and how hard you worked in every aspect of your life, especially recovery.
My athlete, my hero, our joy, always and forever. Love you, Mom, Dad, Jenna and Mo and our entire family and friends

His friends all knew him as “Dee”, “D-Double” or one of the many other nicknames he took on, but to his family he was always “Bryan”. Whatever he went by, he never knew a stranger. His signature smile and a handshake was all it took. He had such a charming personality and was fun to be around. People gravitated toward him.

Bryan was always ready for his next adventure. He enjoyed snowboarding in the Rockies, surfing the west coast, wake boarding in the nearest lake, and kayaking the nearest river or stream. He ran, rode a bike, and even did yoga. While out and about, when he came across street art, he always stopped. He had an appreciation for this less traditional form of expression. Often he would snap a photo to share on Instagram or send to a friend he thought might enjoy it.

Bryan was a kind, caring person. He had a good heart. He considered himself blessed for the life he lived and the chances he was given. Although he was taken too soon, those who have been left behind feel blessed to have known him.

Matt battled addiction for more than 10 years, our family lost touch with who he really was. At times, we had him back as our beloved son, brother, and uncle but those times were few and far between. We will miss not having him to share the good times with our family. We will not miss having to witness the pain and suffering he endured with addiction.

Kyle was born in New Orleans, LA on February 3, 1984, the son of Warren Holmes and Colleen Shannon Holmes, residents of Morgan City, LA. In 1987, his family moved to San Marcos, TX, where he spent his youngest years with his parents, floating the San Marcos River or feeding the ducks at Aquarena Springs on the campus of SWTSU. His formative years were spent in San Antonio, TX where he graduated from high school in 2001.

Kyle had a passion for food that started at a young age. As soon as he could reach the spices and stove, it was game on. “Restaurant extraordinaire” is how he described himself. Kyle's career and passion were in the restaurant business where he was delighted in meeting and engaging with people and truly had a heart to provide a memorable experience for his patrons. Quite often in Colleen's kitchen, Kyle would take pleasure in cooking and sharing the evening with her.

Kyle was born with a charisma that lit up any room, and he connected with all living beings on a profound level. Everyone loved being with him. You could feel his celebration of life emanating from his aura. He was intelligent, deep thinking, and had a quick wit. He was intrigued by various religions and philosophies and could spend hours sharing his findings. He and his dad spent time discussing holy scripture and Kyle ultimately asked Jesus into his life. He was a possessor of relentless positivity. Kyle recently wrote, "for the past few years, addiction ruled me, ruined my life, and I lost everything I’ve ever loved. In my time here [in rehab], I’ve accomplished monumental feats within myself, reconnected with the universe, and am ready to move back into the world—transformed, refreshed, with a completely different perspective, and a new lease on life." As with far too many young people today, Kyle lost the battle with addiction.

My daughter Kayla was a mom of 2 babies, Rylee, 4 and 1/2, and Levi, who was 7 weeks old when she passed. Kayla was 26 years old and struggled with methamphetamines for 8 long and devastating years in which tried rehab and left etc. She was my ❤️ and will be truly missed by all of her family and children.

Teach your children not to do drugs because once the devil grips he has no mercy, and, well, he won. She’s no longer here for her children. Please find a cure for this madness.

Kim had the biggest heart. She was my cousin and best friend. She was a wonderful mother of 4 kids. She struggled with kidney stones and opiates took her life. My heart breaks for her every day. She made this world a brighter place. I'm a recovering addict and tried to help her. I always prayed she could win the battle but at church camp, she accidentally overdosed. Her 16-year-old daughter found her. Miss my sweet Kimbo,

He was my best friend. And he was amazing. I'm not even sure I can even write about him. It just still hurts so much.

Justin was a fun family man that loved his kids and would give the shirt off his back for a complete stranger. He was funny, outgoing, and a great friend. He struggled with addiction, as well as being away from his family. We will miss him dearly and bless those kids!

My Aunt Dee was one of the most amazing compassionate people I've ever known and always wore her heart on her sleeve. She would do anything for anyone, especially her family, and do it with a smile. She was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, writer, and teacher. She loved to write poems and you could feel her emotions come through with every word. Her laugh would make anyone laugh and I would give anything to hear her laugh again! Aunt Dee you are loved and missed EVERY DAY, love you forever and always!

XoXo

~Your Little Frog

My name is Jessica, I'm also a recovering addict. The first time I saw Kelli I felt so drawn to her. We first crossed paths at a NA meeting, and my soul felt like I've loved her for a lifetime. We happen to be in outpatient together, which to me was not a coincidence. She had long beautiful black hair, so unique from anyone I've ever met. She also has a twin sister and her home was in Alaska. She had two kids in Alaska and one here in Long Beach. She was adored by many. She had this sparkle in her that could light up the world. I am so grateful that of all people she loved me as much as I loved her. We were so in love. Her son was my lil best friend and I loved him just as he loved me. Kelli struggled with feelings, especially if they were negative, and that caused many relapses. She had a thick wall put up to avoid getting hurt, and she was set on saying nothing lasts forever. Heroin was her drug of choice, so that was her go to. I remain humble knowing I was able to crack that wall enough for her to know that she deserved to feel unconditional love. Unfortunately we relapsed on meth and that's when things got sour. She was on Vivitrol so her urge for heroin was not an issue. But things got worse so quick, she was losing herself in a psychosis from the meth. She left to Arizona without her shot for the cravings. We were both not okay. I've never felt so much pain and desperation as when she left and she felt the same. On February 17, I got a call Kelli died of fentanyl overdose. My heart was shattered, my reality shaken. I never saw her again. Kelli had a big heart, she was a loyal friend, she was protective to her loved ones. She was so full of life, funny, sweet, loved sports, and she was also the most beautiful woman in the world. She impacted so many, especially myself. We had plans to get married. She filled my heart with love. I know that if drugs we not in the picture that we would still be together, happy and in love. Please don't think that this can't happen to you, addiction takes anyone when it wants. I love you Kelli, forever in my heart.

Lucie is a beautiful soul. She was always the life of the party, and everybody wanted to be her friend. She always put others first, even in front of herself. In life she had her struggles, and she found comfort in drugs. In the past years, she has been in and out of rehab, but she succumbed to her illness after returning home her final time. She will be forever loved and remembered.

My son, angel, is our bright and shining who shined even in his darkest moments. His spirit and soul shined in his darkest moments as he went out of his way to help others. He went home to be in the loving arms of his creator and savior April 9, 2019 two days before his 36th birthday. He struggled with his methamphetamine addiction which took him to prison and took his life while in prison. He cried for help to his parole officer who never helped him get the treatment he cried out for. Instead they placed him in prison while waiting to get him in a program. On April 9, 2019 he was found unresponsive in his cell, and he then was flown to the hospital and revived five times. He waited for me, his loving mother, before he went home. My angel passed in his mother's loving presence upon he waited for me to arrive before he let his angels take him home. My angels legacy lives on because his mother is going to fight this addiction epidemic.

Michael struggled with addiction for years. He was in and out of rehab. We never lost hope. Michael had many hard times, his addiction landing him in some bad living situations, lost relationships, loss of employment and income, and deteriorating health. His family never lost hope and always loved him. He is sorely missed. His death changed us all.

Patrick was a talented artist with a love for music and the outdoors. He put his heart and soul into all of his passions. He tried to kick his addiction and struggled for a long time. After many ups and downs, addiction finally won. He is at peace, but we pray that others may find help before addiction takes them too.

A popular, good looking, funny football player. Jesse had a heart of gold. He loved kittens and kids. He loved shoes and hats. He loved fishing and football. Country music and rap. Life of the Party. Jesse had a contagious belly laugh and a crooked grin. He had the most beautiful green/hazel eyes and was 6’3”. He had tons of friends and enjoyed time with family. Forever 19 💔

I remember the day my brother was born. I was almost done with kindergarten and wore a pin with his picture on it so everyone that saw me knew I was now a big sister.
The age difference was tough during the earlier years but we were always each others biggest fans. I loved watching him play basketball and rarely missed a game and he was a dedicated softball fan through my entire playing career.
As we got older and life started to take its twists and turns, RJ started to have a harder time overcoming the many obstacles life threw his way.
He craved love, normalcy, and stability but was often faced with chaos and hardships.
He blessed our family with an amazing baby girl and we thought that might turn things around for him but instead, the harder he tried to find those things he was looking for, the more difficult life got for him.
He never saw himself the way that everyone else did: handsome, funny, smart, outgoing.
If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever but he could never truly find the love for himself in his heart.
We miss him every single day.

Mason was a smart, loving, and talented person. He loved his family, home, and friends so very much. Mason had been struggling with addiction for the last eight years of his short life. At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This disease is very difficult for a young person to manage, especially when heroin addiction is also present. Mason was caught in a cycle of treatment, sober living, relapse, and hospitals. After he relapsed, his diabetes would get out of control. He got so sick, each episode worse than before. His final hospital stay the doctors told him that he could never use drugs again. His heart, kidneys, and delicate thyroid functions were so damaged from high blood sugars. Tragically, just eight days later, Mason died of an overdose. We don't know for certain yet if his heart failed from the heroin, or it was overdose. Either way, drugs were the cause of his tragic loss. We had his service on August 30. Over 300 people came to honor him, and support our family. It was beautiful. Mason would have been so happy to see everyone he loved together in one place. He is so very loved and missed.

You were loved more than you knew but now you know. We miss you Kevin but as much as it hurts we know your pain has turned into peace and with that comfort is found.
Kevin fought his addiction for many years. He was such a wonderful young man who had such an insight to people. Forever in our hearts.