|
"Whenever I speak to parents and kids about substance abuse awareness, they seem mesmerized by Mark's story. People can relate to it because they see that this happens to real people and to good kids. This is why Drugfree.org Memorials is so compelling -- it's real people that others can relate to." – Phil Bauer, father of Mark Bauer
|
|
"The decision to speak out about what happened to Kelley wasn't an easy one,
but I felt it important to tell her story honestly, so others could learn from her deadly mistakes.
For that matter my mistake too, in not talking to her about the dangers of drugs.
This path I have chosen to take has been both difficult and rewarding.
My main focus is to put a name and a face as to what drugs are capable of
doing and the deadly ramifications one takes when using drugs."
— Kate Patton, mother of Kelley McEnery Baker
|
|
"Posting my family's story on the Partnership's website was singularly the best decision I made last year.
I have subsequently become quite active as a speaker, and the exposure from that posting has and continues to
play a large role in opening up many doors. All this exposure was an unanticipated plus,
since my main motivation for posting my family story was to help other families who might read it to avoid the
pain and horror of losing their child to drugs."
— David Pease, father of Dave and Casey
|
|
"I know that if Travis could do anything to prevent anybody from taking the destructive path he took — he would. Travis would want his story to help others. Telling his story helps me, as his mother, to feel like he is contributing to this world — Travis would want that."
— Ellen Swan, mother of Travis Swan
|
|
I shared Carl's story so that other teens and parents could learn through our unfortunate tragedy.
Being a nurse, I thought that I was very aware and very current with my knowledge of drug abuse; I was wrong.
Carl had a true compassion for people, and had always had the desire to make the world a better place.
Through the Partnership, we are making a difference for thousands of teens in Carl's memory.
With much love, you are forever in our hearts.
— Misty Fetko, mother of Carl Hennon
|
|
Our relationship with the Partnership began when I first submitted a memorial to our son three years ago.
Since that time Marissa and I have become active at the community, state and national level on issues of huffing,
drug addiction and recovery from substance abuse. In the summer of 2005 the PDFA asked me to begin writing a weblog, or blog .
I suspected when I began that it might have some cathartic effect for me but the reality has far exceeded those expectations.
Marissa and I have always had an appreciation for the power of the written word, but we have also learned that when tragedy,
loss, survival and spiritual awakening collide, the power of sharing David's story with others is magnified exponentially.
We've come to believe that the opportunity to carry the message of David's struggle is an incredible gift from him, one that
allows us to give voice to thoughts and memories in a way that gives them wings, and more importantly,
may bring other families above the clouds of despair and sorrow to where there is light and hope.
— Kim Manlove, father of David Manlove
|