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

Robin - The Man
Born 18.02.1976 to Robin and Sylvia (deceased) in Leicester, UK .
Adopted by Diane (mum) at 6 years of age. Brother to Kristie, Simon, Peter and Jemma.
Sadly, Robin, died in his sleep suddenly, on Sunday 02.10.16 @12.22am, in Wembley, London.
This was totally unexpected and a complete shock .
Robin had be successful in recovery for over seven years, beginning his journey at StreetScene in Bournemouth.
Robin dedicated his working life to helping recovering addicts and their families.
He worked for Drug and Alcohol Services at Spectrum, in Camden, London.
He was the Learning Disability Champion at CGL Recovery, Hatfield.
Awarded the Purple Star for his dedication and commitment to offering a high standard quality of care for all of the service users .
As a devoted Leicester City Football Fan, Robin had a huge tattoo of the city emblem on his midriff! Which he suffered great physical pain to perfect.
One of his main loves was dogs. His sisters would teasingly refer to him as "The Dog Whisperer".
A Kind, Caring, and Conscientious man, Robin was a very loving person whom believed in old fashioned values and morals, such as integrity, compassion, and loyalty.
Never afraid to say what he thought, Robin had the courage to stand by his convictions, even if that meant standing alone.
Quick to help out, if he could, Robin was always there in times of crisis and would offer comfort, support, and help until a solution was achieved.
Tenacious, practical, and thoughtful, Robin would be resolute until the end.
A cheeky grin, with a wicked sense of humour, Robin had the ability to always lighten the mood, make you smile and uplift your spirits.
He is a larger than life character, whose personality and presence will be greatly missed, he leaves a huge hole in the lives and hearts of all of us, who were lucky enough and indeed honoured, to have been a part of his life's journey.
May He Rest In Peace and Love.
His death is being used to raise awareness of Addiction, Recovery, Suicide Prevention and raise money for Streetscene.(Bournemouth) and Caring, Giving, Living (CGL) Recovery Services.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robin-francis-ali

Marcus was 21 years young when he died of an accidental heroin overdose.

Even with two emergency visits for horrible withdrawal symptoms, we were unable to get him into a detox facility. Despite this, he successfully detoxed on his own with the help of non-addictive blood pressure and anxiety medications prescribed by his pediatrician. He attended a very inspiring 4-day Anthony Robbins “Unleash The Power Within” event with his father in San Jose towards the end of his detox. He came back positive he was not only going to beat his addiction but he was going look into becoming a Recovery Coach and write a book that would help others do the same.

Marcus had an intake appointment for an outpatient rehabilitation program on November 16th. Unfortunately, we didn’t remember a previous warning he gave us, that he was worried if he didn’t have any opioids in his system when entering a program, they wouldn’t prescribe for him a maintenance medication he thought would help him avoid relapsing. He felt relapsing would be imminent without a medication such as methadone or suboxone. He knew about the anti-craving medication called Vivitrol, which stops the body’s response to opioids, eventually eliminating cravings, but he felt he would just end up overdosing trying too hard to get high.

We believe that is why, after about 11 days sober, he went to use that morning, before his appointment. He died in his pursuit of his sobriety. He incorrectly believed that he needed opiates in his system to get into a program.

He was found unresponsive in his car in a convenience store parking lot. It had been too long before someone noticed he wasn’t moving so even though the EMT team was able to resuscitate him, the brain damage was massive and irreversible. They estimate he had been without oxygen for 90 to 120 minutes. He was pronounced brain dead two days later but they continued to sustain him with life support and medicinal therapies while they found patients in need of his vital organs. We stayed with him until they took him to surgery the following evening. We are told that 6 of his organs were successfully transplanted to renew and sustain life for 5 recipients. We can only hope those lucky people will live on with some of his spirit in them.

The wave of Marcus’s legacies will touch many people. He inspired many people we know to register as organ donors and to donate to the Open Door Mission in excess of $10K so far.

Marcus was such a love. We miss him terribly and we want to help bring this growing crisis of opioid addiction and senseless death to a stop.

We lost our beautiful boy, Bryan Michael Barney (beloved son, brother, fiancé, nephew, uncle, friend, colleague) to a heroin overdose sometime between the late evening of February 10th and the afternoon of February 12th, when I (Mom) found him in his locked bedroom at his home. We know it was an accidental event and speculate that it may have been the result of tainted heroin (toxicology results won’t be available for several more weeks, but stories of tainted heroin have been prevalent on news reports in our area recently).
Bryan was extraordinary. He was smart. He loved electrical engineering and always had projects going outside of work – most recently he was working on building a drone. Bryan was compassionate. He had many, many close friends who considered him to be family. He was loyal to them, but also always took time with anyone who needed a friend. He was inclusive. Bryan was caring. He took extra time with a friend in need – always there for them and always trying to help them to conquer whatever was causing them to suffer. Bryan was funny. He had the best sense of humor and was truly the life of any party. If Bryan was there, there was bound to be a good time. Bryan had the biggest heart. He loved his family, his fianceé, his friends, and his colleagues. He was fiercely protective of the people who he loved, and would do anything for them.
His addiction became known to us about 2½ years ago. Every day since, we lived in fear of finding him dead of an overdose…but he always assured me that would never happen, and that my daily phone calls and check-ins were unnecessary. That being said, he allowed me to make them, understanding my need to know he was OK. He often ignored the first call, but if I called twice in a row, he would always answer. His battle with addiction was full of ups and downs. From phone calls where we would have sworn he was healed – his clarity was remarkable – to family visits where his slurred speech and slow movements were hard to watch. We were comforted in his last few days, as he was in great spirits. Laughing and joking, excited to return to work after an extended leave due to surgery. Everything seemed to be looking up. Until that Sunday, February 12th, when his fianceé alerted me that she’d been unable to reach Bryan since Friday evening. That Sunday, I made four calls in a row with no answer and then with great dread, got into my car to go to his home just a mile away, praying to God the entire time, asking that he be OK. I had the only spare key to Bryan’s bedroom, and unlocked the door to find him cold, discolored and nearly unrecognizable – it is an image I wish I could forget.
Hundreds of people attended his wake and funeral, offering their hugs, love, words of comfort, offers of support and “whatever you need.” Sadly, there is nothing anyone can do – we’re told time will make this loss bearable, but we will never be the same.
There is a great need to end the stigma of addiction and create programs that help those in the clutches of opiate addiction to find a way to exist without the drug. We are grateful to Shatterproof for their work and through them we hope to become personally involved in this crusade.

Jordan's life is divided into two sections - before and after heroin. The boy that existed prior to his drug addiction was socially awkward and unsure of himself - but the light of my life. He followed me around wherever I went and we were a team. In July of 2011, two weeks after graduation, he flipped his new car and it rolled several times, burning literally to the ground. This was the beginning of a revolving door of court rooms, probation offices, hospitals, mental wards, rehabs in two separate states, jail stays, felonies, misdemeanors, and heartache.

This drug stole him from our family many years ago - turning him into someone none of us knew. He would have moments of clarity - and wrote letters from jail saying he was done with that life and wanted to move forward.

Jordan had been in jail and was released on 1/28/17. He did well for 3 weeks, working and keeping it together. The whole family was so proud of him - but no one as much as me. Jordan turned 24 on 2/14/17 and I found him dead on 2/18/17 from a heroin overdose. He had received his first pay check the night before.

I struggle to wrap my head around him being gone and cannot seem to understand how my life can move forward without him.

Cash Owen was born January 18, 1995. He was the light in our lives; with a beautiful smile and infectious laugh. As a toddler, Cash wore his cowboy boots with swim trunks, dragging his toy shotgun behind him (a true Texan) to Deep Eddy Pool. From an early age, Cash loved learning and was self-motivated to pursue his interests. He was eager to read biographies of our country's leaders and learn about the Civil War. Becoming an avid coin collector at the age of 7, Cash enjoyed going to McBride's, talking with the ladies, and sharing his knowledge that was way beyond his years. He was intelligent, charming, and so witty with his dry humor.

As Cash grew older, his interest in food became apparent. His sophisticated palate led him to become a great cook, and we always knew we were in for a treat. His latest hobby shared with his mom was eating the 12 spiciest dishes in Austin (never a meal without a serrano in hand). Spending park time and gym time with his twin, toddler sister's became a common occurrence. They adored him, and he often awoke to them bouncing on his bed and yelling, "Tash, Tash". The last few months were the best. He was truly present, as though his spirit was healing.

Sadly, Cash struggled with addiction. He willingly sought treatment on numerous occasions, but as we know, this is a disease that, for many, is incurable. Cash's valiant fight to find sobriety, happiness, and a sense of calm ended February 9, 2017. Addiction is a horrible disease that the mind and body cannot fight; stealing far too many lives. We are not ashamed of Cash's addiction, but proud of the battle he waged against its grip; a death grip. We are thankful that God took him home where he is safe and at peace with the many lost boys and girls who have found the freedom of pain, depression, addiction, and suffering. There is no judgement. There is no shame. Taken far too soon, we write this not to dishonor his memory, but to shine some light on an illness. It is our hope that compassion, understanding, and recognition of addiction, begins to replace the stigma of this disease.

Cash was preceded in death by his Uncle Boone, Grandmother Joanie, Great grandparents, Mimi and Poppy, and Grandmother, Chloe. He is survived by his mother, Jacy; stepfather, Brian; sisters, Columbia and Paloma; father, Phil, his beloved Mimi, Joycelyn, grandparents, Sam and Shelley, along with his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Words can never express how much he will be missed. A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to: www.shatterproof.org

Quite simply we will miss everything about him. His quick wit, his laugh, his infectious smile. Danny was so much more than what he showed most people. He was deep and sensitive and cared very much for others, especially those less fortunate than himself. He was not a materialistic person, and was known to give his last dollars to someone in need. Despite all of his wonderful qualities, Danny did not always see them in himself. He struggled with self esteem from a young age. After graduating from high school, he was disappointed in options and was introduced to opiates during his first semester of college. This began his 6 year struggle with addiction. He went at least 7 different times to treatment programs and found the most success in Southern Florida. Dan had long stretches of sobriety and did his best when he recognized himself as an addict and followed the 12 step program. He hated heroin, and did not want it to be part of his life - but fell victim to the disease and the escape it provided.

Cynthia is the one and only child of her dad and his wife Ruth whom she lovingly referred to as "Mom." They involved her in sports and she obtained her black belt in martial arts at a very young age. She is highly intelligent which gives her the ability to master any task set before her.
She was very independent as a teenager. As with many teenagers, her need for independence, coupled with her level of intelligence, gave her a false sense of security in believing that she could make her own decisions and live her life without the need for guidance. These choices let her into the dark world of chemical dependency.
Cynthia found herself with an addiction to "speed." She was able to kick this habit and shortly after finding out that she was pregnant with her son Andrew. He is the love of her life, the reason for her existence, her entire world. There is absolutely nothing that she would not do for him.
Eventually, drugs reared their ugly head once more. Cynthia's drug of choice this time was heroin. An insidious drug that caused her to become a person that she hated. After her parents begging and pleading for her to get help, she agreed to go into treatment. Because she had no insurance, she made the decision to go into a treatment facility in Tijuana, where her brother was also seeking help. Within 24 hours of her admission, she was found deceased, in her room, from an accidental overdose.
The devastation that her passing has caused her family is indescribable. It is a pain that will never be alleviated, regardless of time. The only thing that allows her parents to continue to move forward, is her beautiful son Andrew. They are committed to ensuring that he never forgets what a beautiful soul his mother is and the endless love that she had for him.
The stigma of heroin abuse must be smashed! Those who struggle with heroin addiction are not people living on the streets with a needle in their arm! Cynthia was a hard working mother, a daughter, a wife who had a home, dressed well, had a love for tattoos, and was a productive member of society! Heroin does not discriminate. It doesn't matter what race, religion, or financial status you're in. For those who find themselves in the grasp of addiction, the end result is one of the following: Jail, institutions, or death.
As you may have noticed, we have referred to Cynthia in the present tense because she remains very much alive in our hearts. We know that she is with our heavenly father, watching, and sometimes visiting, her son as well as her mom and dad. She is missed every single moment of every single day. Her memory will live on......forever. <3

Kathryn was an innovative small business owner and world traveler. She taught English in Taiwan and South Korea, and lived in England briefly. She had an infectious personality and laugh. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special. Her addiction to alcohol and Xanax ended her life on November 26, 2015. She will be remembered for the amazing things she did in her 29 years in life.

Harrison, singer | songwriter| rapper | producer.... had "aspirations bigger than your whole town".

The Subvers!ve Music Foundation has been set up in his memory to support youth in respectful, non violent, drug free music: www.subversivegang.org

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Billy was my everything, he still is. He had my heart since the day I met him, and it just kept getting better from there. We did everything for each other and with each other. To say he was the love of my life is an understatement, he still is, always will be. There wasn't a thing he wouldn't do for me, or for anyone, to be honest. His smile could light up the world and he always put others before himself. Many of his buddies in recovery with him have told me stories about how much he helped them get to where they are today, I couldn't be more thankful for the lessons Billy taught me. Although he cannot be here with me today I know for sure that he is always with me in spirit and no one will ever take his place!

Born on December 14, 1987 in Birmingham, Alabama. She passed away at her home in Clanton, Alabama on January 22, 2017. She was 29 years old. Kaylee leaves behind her son, Charles Francis Martin, her parents, James Kyle Martin and Kathryn Kirkwood Martin, her long-time companion Christopher Sanders, as well as two sisters, Amanda Sudderth (Fletcher) and Cortney Bosworth (Rick), and a host of nieces and nephews.

Kaylee attended Oak Mountain High school in Pelham, Alabama, and later Jefferson State Community College and the University of Alabama Birmingham. She majored in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism. Kaylee worked in the food service industry and later as an administrative assistant for Doubletree Hilton Hotels.

Kaylee enjoyed attending the Grove Community Church with her family in Clanton, Al. She was involved in numerous activities including a discipleship class.

Matthew was strong. He was courageous, he knew no fear yet he was gentle and kind. He was the guy that you wanted on your team. Matthew was always full of life, energetic, upbeat, and positive. He was the best son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, or friend we could ever have. He had a huge, kind heart, he loved his family and friends, and his heart beat was his beautiful daughter. He was the middle child of 3 sons, all close in age and he remained close to his 2 brothers into adulthood. Matthew was very kind, generous, and intelligent. He was also our most stubborn child and anything he put his mind to he would accomplish. Matthew was competitive, athletic, and outgoing. He loved the outdoors, family beach vacations, riding his Harley, fishing, and hunting. Matthew loved wildlife and had a special fondness and knowledge of birds. Matthew was a bricklayer by trade since the age of 15. He was good at his craft and took pride in his work. Matthew had a smile that lit up the whole house. Matthew was a great cook! He made the best macaroni salad and the best spaghetti and meatballs. Matthew was proud of his Italian heritage. Matthew was always adventurous,and he seemed to do just about everything "first" in the family. He walked when he was only 7 months old. His daughter says her dad was very talented and she is right. He liked to laugh and have a good time. For a "tough guy" he could be very sensitive at times; he got that from me. He liked being with his family especially his daughter. They were like 2 peas in a pod, always playing and laughing. He was so good with her. He taught her many things like to tie her shoes and to work her math problems. He was smart. He was a good person. He never wanted to hurt his family. He loved us and we loved and continue to love him.

Joel was an incredibly loving man, very witty, very smart, loved reading his fantasy books like Game of Thrones, loved music and gaming.

Connor felt everything so much! He was sensitive and used that sensitivity and creativity in his writing. He loved to listen to music and enjoyed sharing his love for music with others. He liked being outside whether it was taking his dogs on a hike or doing landscaping or playing bocci ball on the beach with his family. He also had a passion for working with young people so he worked with teens at church and younger children in a before and after school program. His goal was to become a life coach and help those struggling with addiction avoid some of the mistakes he made.

He was kind and loved everyone. He loved his family more then anything. He is so missed everyday. A huge void in our hearts forever.

Chris was a very intelligent young man that had so many dreams for his future. He was engaged to a wonderful girl and was making plans to start college. The youngest of three sons, he was definitely the free spirit.

When you ask people to describe her in one word most would say BEAUTIFUL. She was a very outgoing person who had touched so many people's lives. She had a heart of gold.

He cared a lot about other people and loved animals. He was athletic and made it to regional finals as a freshman in college in pole-vaulting.