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

Our beautiful son was a little brother and the baby of the house. He was one of the easiest babies you could wish for, full of adventure and mischief, and a smile that would light you up. He loved to climb and swing from anything. Every kitchen drawer in the house was broken due to him swinging from them. He learned to crawl so early that he had no depth perception and bumped into walls. But nothing stalled him, he always smiled and moved on to the next great adventure.
School came easy to Liam and he often voiced his opinion about why high school should finish at 16 years instead of 18. High school is where Liam started to change as he started to separate out his different worlds believing this showed independence. He began to party and experiment with drugs, he believed he had an edge on things, however time showed it got totally out of his control. He graduated high school unsure of what the next steps would be, and this was in drastic contrast to his early years of high school when he was full of ideas and options. Adolescence is full of uncertainty and confusion, but in hindsight this was more like entrapment or enslavement to an alien cause. Over the next few years Liam worked and traveled and did a semester of community college here and there, eventually receiving an A.S. with concentration in biology. He never found a true purpose, however he studied much about the human condition. Unfortunately, drugs always seemed to fill a void, always pulling him back into a world and lifestyle he ultimately detested. He entered an out-patient program for addiction in 2013, but left early. By 2015 it was clear to all, including Liam, that he had a very serious problem. We encouraged Liam to seek help, and in early 2015 Liam attended his first 30-day treatment program. He returned home and started to make plans, unfortunately his disease had other plans. He battled hard, I once told him that if they gave out medals for detoxing he would be a possible contender. But no matter how many times he detoxed, the disease of addiction reared its ugly head and overwhelmed his will power. He cried, asking me ‘Mom why am I so weak’. We learned as much as we could about addiction and Liam once again chose to seek help in a long-term treatment program.
He spent the last 6 months of his life waging an all-out battle against the disease of addiction, working daily on every aspect of his life, mind, body and spirit. We were convinced he had found the way to a balanced and peaceful life. He looked great, putting on over 40 pounds, and chatted excitedly about starting work and moving on with his life aspirations. Without warning, Liam lost his battle on July 8th, 2017. He was loved, wanted, and cherished by many, he will be missed.
Personally, I feel we are in the stone age when it comes to helping our children with the disease of addiction. We have so few tools and society resorts to making them feel isolated, lonely, weak, and solely responsible for their fate. Yet the truth is so far from that reality. Greed, indifference, social pressures, and even genetics all played a part in my son’s disease. There is no profit in a cure, my son has become just another statistic in the society I live in, instead of a beautiful human being contributing to the welfare of all. I hope by grouping together nationally we can change the outcome for others in the future.

Tyler was a happy baby who grew to be a happy young man. He always had a big smile on his face and had such beautiful eyes. He cared about all, especially his two little brothers. He was the protector and helper and always tried to take care of them and tell them to do the right things in life as he sometimes strayed off that path. I love my son very much and he will forever and always be in our hearts. Rest in piece my son. I love you and will see again someday.

We had the dad who told us we could be whatever we wanted to be, and that whatever we chose to do, he would support us. He never missed a dance recital or a little league game. He constantly told us that raising his three children was the greatest job he ever took on and also the thing he was most proud of. He called us on our birthdays and sang into the phone, ending with a big loud "this is your daddayyy!" He made everyone laugh, and sitting at our dinner table always entailed endless laughter. His struggle with addiction was simply the last chapter in what was a long book. There was so much more to Bobby than his struggle. He lived a beautiful life, and it is defined not just by the hard times he faced, but by the positive impact he had on so many. His three children, his granddaughter, and all of our friends and family who wanted to come to our house growing up because being in his company was so wonderful.

He is gone too soon, and we will miss him for the rest of our lives. Nothing will ever be quite the same without being able to hear his voice or share in his company. We want to do our part to create positive change in our dads honor. We want to keep his memory alive and make him proud. Help us raise money to help future families overcome addiction, and to create a society where prevention is considered just as important as treatment, and where people who struggle with addiction are met with compassion and understanding, not stigma.

We miss Ali's constant determination to fight through each of her struggles and her love for her son. Ali was a mother first and although addiction was apart of her life she never let it cloud her determination to provide and love unconditionally. As her family, we made sure her addiction did not define her as a person and loved her through each and every up and down that occurred. Following her death, we learned so much about her and all of the people she touched in her short life. We love you Ali Renee'! We promise to keep your name alive every single day with memories and stories about your crazy time on this Earth.

Met Rory (23) at New Life House Recovery Home in Torrance, CA in 2010 when we sent my oldest son, Cody (19) there to get and stay sober. We spent countless hours over 18 months, talking with Rory and others when we would go visit my son on Saturdays. Rory shared about his addiction and how he got to the recovery home and I will share a bit of his story with you. Rory was an avid dirt bike rider for most of his youth, until a tragic bike accident left him unable to ever ride again. He could walk but with a cane and was on a pain med regime for the rest of his life. 

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.