[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF THEO MARINESCU

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LEE M. ZELDIN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2016

  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Theo 
Marinescu, who tragically lost his life after a long struggle with drug 
addiction.
  Theo Marinescu, who grew up in East Hampton, Long Island, had a 
bright future ahead of him and was taken too soon from his family and 
community. According to his mother, Violeta, ``Theo was a warm, loving, 
and handsome young man who was known for his wonderful personality and 
huge laugh. He was gifted both academically and athletically--he played 
linebacker on the football team and was an honor roll student. He 
always found a way to make people laugh and loved his little brothers 
with all his heart. Even during his years of drug use, we never became 
distant from one another. Although it was tumultuous and very difficult 
at times, Theo loved his family and we loved him right back.''
  Violeta explained that Theo's addiction began when he started 
experimenting with marijuana during his last years of high school and 
then progressed to harder drugs, including opioids, which ultimately 
took his life. According to Violeta, in the midst of his addiction, 
``Theo desperately tried to get clean as he felt so deeply the pain and 
anguish he was inflicting upon his younger brothers and mother.'' She 
said he was in and out of rehabs and sober living homes, but that, ``he 
never received the proper treatment or care that was needed to address 
his mental health issues.'' Ultimately, after struggling with his 
disease, Theo lost his life on May 17, 2015 at just 25 years of age.
  Unfortunately, Theo's story is one that is becoming all too familiar 
to families around the country and in my home district on Long Island. 
Tragically, 78 people each day will lose their battle with addiction, 
and their life, as a result of an opioid or heroin overdose. It is our 
duty to find solutions and figure out ways to prevent the devastating 
effects drug abuse and addiction have on our children. We, as members 
of Congress, must all continue to support legislation that addresses 
the rise in heroin and opioid abuse to stop the tragic loss of life 
that has been devastating families and communities across America.

                          ____________________