Drew’s Story
Drew was seven months clean from heroin. He’d moved from Washington state to Florida with his mother to get away from any chance of falling back into his old life. He was in the top of his welding class with his sights set on a career in underwater welding. On the one-year anniversary of his father’s death, he wanted a moment of freedom from the pain of that memory. A friend gave him some cocaine: a one-time distraction that wouldn’t break his sobriety.
Unknown to Drew or his friend, the cocaine had been cut with fentanyl. One hit and Drew was dead. His mother found him when she returned from work to invite him to their nightly ritual of procedural dramas and daily debrief. Fortunately, he
didn’t die alone. His constant companion, his mastiff, Cerberus, watched over him until the paramedics took him away.
This is personal for FentanylSolution.org because it’s the story of our Development Officer, Shane Wood’s little brother.
Our employees and board all have stories of how fentanyl has affected their lives and we want to educate individuals not only on how to recognize the signs of overdose and Fentanyl poisoning, but train people on how to use naloxone to save a life. Your donation goes directly to this work.
107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022. 67% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. YOUR DONATION WILL HELP RAISE AWARENESS OF THIS DEADLY DRUG AND BRING AN END OF FENTANYL DEATHS.
Shane is trying to raise $50,000 by July 25, 2023 in honor of the sixth anniversary of Drew’s death.
Donate here: Donation Link
On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, friends and family showed their support and comforted Tina Burke. She is one of FentanylSolution.org’s board members as well as a Christian’s mom. Christian was a 21-year-old victim of fentanyl poisoning 3 years ago on July 19, 2020.
He was a senior at the University of Arizona, relishing the summer season back at home in Mission Viejo. A testament to his work ethic and determination, he understood the value of hard work and its rewards. From his
experience as a quarterback and wide receiver for his hometown teams to his devoted studies, he often witnessed the fruits of his labor.
Yet, Christian’s vibrant persona transcended his diligent nature. His presence illuminated any room, captivating others with his spirited personality. People were naturally drawn to him, enchanted by his infectious laughter and captivating smile, which exuded love and joy.
Tragically, on July 19, 2020, Christian’s life took an abrupt and devastating turn.
He purchased and consumed a Percocet, unaware that it was a counterfeit pill containing a lethal combination of fentanyl and acetaminophen. Within moments, this beloved 21-year-old cherished son, brother, boyfriend, athlete, and college student, lost his life due to the consumption of a single fake pill.
Join us in our crucial mission to save lives from the fentanyl crisis and drive impactful awareness. Your donation today will make a significant difference!
In this episode, President of the Alexander Neville Foundation (ANF) and mother of Alexander, Amy Neville speaks about the tragic death of her son due to fentanyl poisoning in an oxycodone pill. Neville talked about how her son was groomed by a dealer on social media
“Snapchat is the largest open-air drug market and what it does is it takes a very dark thing that used to happen in dark scary places and bringing it to light. There is a drug dealer in our kids pocket on their phone 24/7,” Neville said.
Snapchat who pretended to be his friend and sold him drugs. Both Janice and Amy urged kids to not believe
“They [Drug Dealers] tell them [kids] how cool they are, how fun they are, how smart they are, and how they seem to have a lot of clout with friends,” Neville said.
these drugs dealers are their friend and instead stay away from Snapchat because many dealers take advantage of the fact that
messages disappear after 24 hours. Amy Neville asks listeners to discuss this topic which is causing so many tragedies throughout the country and support the cause of stopping the Fentanyl Crisis.
“I went to his room to wake him up, and he [Alexander] was gone,” Neville said.
Join us in our crucial mission to save lives from the fentanyl crisis and drive impactful awareness. Your donation today will make a significant difference!
In the realm of mixology, where craft meets showmanship, one name stands out: Mikey D’Amato, also known as The SuitcaseBarman (IG: @the_suitecasebarman/Tik Tok: @the_suitecase). With over a decade of experience in the craft bartending scene, D’Amato is renowned for his ability to turn an ordinary drink into an extraordinary experience. Recently, he brought his flair and expertise to the forefront at the STOMP! Fentanyl weekend series, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
In an exclusive Q&A session, Mikey D’Amato shared insights into his passion for mixology and his personal connection to the cause. “Years ago, I lost my brother to Fentanyl,” he revealed. “Participating in events that raise awareness is very important to me.” This deeply personal connection underscores his commitment to using his talents to make a difference in the fight against fentanyl abuse.
D’Amato’s dedication to raising awareness extends beyond his bartending events. He highlighted the various skills he incorporates into his daily lifestyle to support organizations like FentanylSolution.org. “To be honest, I’d love to see my brother’s mom there,” he expressed. “It would be an overwhelming experience for not only us, but others who are there for the same reason.” Through his participation, D’Amato hopes to spark conversations and empower others to stand strong in support of fentanyl awareness.
True to his promise, D’Amato brought an interactive and unforgettable experience to the guests at the STOMP! Fentanyl events. “I’ll be bringing a few fun tricks that will include small fire and smoke shows,” he teased, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring a memorable event from the beverage side of things. With every drink he served and every conversation he engaged in, D’Amato exuded passion and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
As the STOMP! Fentanyl weekend series came to a close, Mikey D’Amato’s presence lingered in the memories of attendees. His flair behind the bar served as a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness and taking action against the fentanyl crisis. Through his artistry and advocacy, D’Amato continues to make a difference, one drink and one conversation at a time.
Join us in our crucial mission to save lives from the fentanyl crisis and drive impactful awareness. Your donation today will make a significant difference!
We provided free naloxone and fentanyl test strips at two pivotal community events led by Supervisor Katrina Foley. These initiatives aimed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent fentanyl-related deaths in Orange County.
Fentanyl Town Hall at Orange Coast College (OCC)
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Supervisor Katrina Foley collaborated with the Costa Mesa Police Department and the OC Health Care Agency to host a fentanyl town hall for OCC college students. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to learn about the dangers of fentanyl and effective prevention strategies.
The town hall featured presentations from experts who discussed the impact of fentanyl in the community, shared real-life stories, and provided crucial information on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. One of the highlights of the event was the distribution of naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug. Attendees received hands-on training on how to administer naloxone, ensuring they were equipped to save lives in emergency situations.
Additionally, we distributed fentanyl test strips to help students identify the presence of fentanyl in substances, further empowering them to make safer choices. The event underscored the importance of education and proactive measures in addressing the fentanyl crisis, leaving attendees better informed and prepared.
Spanish-Speaking Fentanyl Town Hall in Aliso Viejo
Recognizing the diverse needs of the community, we also participated in a fentanyl town hall specifically designed for Spanish-speaking individuals. This event, held in partnership with Supervisor Katrina Foley, the City of Aliso Viejo, Aliso Viejo’s Sheriff’s Department, and the OC Health Care Agency, aimed to extend outreach and resources to a broader audience.
During the town hall, attendees received critical information on fentanyl prevention and resources available in the community. Experts provided facts about the opioid crisis, shared prevention tips, and offered practical advice on how to protect oneself and loved ones from fentanyl exposure. The event emphasized the importance of community involvement and collective action in combating the fentanyl epidemic.
Our resource booth at this event provided free naloxone and fentanyl test strips, along with instructions on their proper use. This initiative was particularly significant as it addressed language barriers and ensured that Spanish-speaking individuals had access to essential life-saving tools and information.
Empowering the Community Through Education and Resources
We remain committed to its mission of combating the fentanyl crisis through continuous education and advocacy efforts. By providing free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and training at these town halls, we empower individuals to take proactive steps in preventing overdoses and saving lives. These events exemplify the organization’s dedication to making a tangible impact in the community and fostering a safer, more informed society. Together, we can make a difference and combat the fentanyl crisis in Orange County and beyond.
Join us in our crucial mission to save lives from the fentanyl crisis and drive impactful awareness. Your donation today will make a significant difference!