[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1679-E1681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE NATIONAL OPIOID EPIDEMIC
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HON. ANN M. KUSTER
of new hampshire
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to include in the Record
today the personal stories of families from across the country that
have been affected by the opioid and heroin epidemic. In the U.S. we
lose 129 lives per day to opioid and heroin overdose. In my home state
of New Hampshire I have learned so many heartbreaking stories of great
people and families who have suffered from the effects of substance use
disorder.
Earlier this year, my colleagues and I were joined by many of these
courageous families who came to Washington to share their stories with
Members of Congress and push for action that will prevent overdoses and
save lives. Since then, we passed both the Comprehensive Addiction and
Recovery Act and the 21st Century Cures Act to provide much needed
funding and critical policy changes to fight this epidemic.
The advocacy of these families truly is so important to leading to
change in Washington and I am proud to preserve their stories.
Robert and Eric Franklin--Cedarburg, Wisconsin
The Franklin family had two beautiful, talented and very
much loved sons, both who died in 2012 from heroin overdoses.
They both are so very missed. Life is just not as full as it
should be. Their loss has forever changed their family's
lives.
The Franklin's youngest child, Robert Franklin, was born
November 10, 1987 and died April 22, 2012. At six foot five,
he was a gentle giant. Everyone loved Robert; he was funny
and a born leader. In high school, Robert had gotten himself
into trouble and was arrested for being in possession of two
pounds of marijuana at the age of 17. As his parents, they
were shocked that he had been messing with that quantity of
marijuana. As a result, before Robert turned 18 years old he
was labeled a felon. Drugs became Robert's escape; he
shouldn't have needed to escape, he had a great childhood and
was well liked by everyone. From there, things went quickly
downhill. Robert spent much of his young adult life in prison
or jail. Robert didn't seem to know how to stop using, and
his family didn't fully understand what he was going through.
Then he found the drug Oxycontin. Robert died at the age of
24. As Neil Young once said, ``Twenty four and there's so
much more''.
Their middle son, Eric, was born February 22, 1986 and died
December 21, 2012. He was a happy, smart, handsome, loved,
talented and caring person. Eric had so much to live for, so
much left to give to the world. He played the guitar and
harmonica; writing much of his own music. Eric also had a
great voice. Eric worked for his dad as a rough carpenter. He
had just met a girl and were early in their relationship, but
somehow he still couldn't get past his addiction. His family
knew he wanted to change. Eric even went to a treatment
center and did really well for a while. He was only 26 when
he died.
Both Robert and Eric loved to play the guitar and were
immensely passionate about all music. Together they started a
band called, The Wronged and wrote and recorded several
songs.
Robert and Eric left behind not only their parents,
Patricia and Mike, but also their older brother, Adam and
sister in-law, Robin, and their only niece, Taylor.
Jason Freburger--Pasadena, Maryland
On December 23, 2015, Jason Freburger died in his family's
home of a heroin overdose. He was 29 years old. The several
years of battling his addiction caused so much pain for
Jason, as well as his family. Jason felt shame, remorse,
failure and regret. His family felt lost, horrified, let
down, and confused by the lack of available resources and the
medical system. Jason was in and out of treatment, jail, IOP,
NA meetings and a halfway house.
Jason was an electrician for the Board of Education for
eight years, and was preparing to get his Master's license.
He was an animal lover, played Xbox, loved fishing, enjoyed
music, reading a good book, and building with Mega Legos.
Jason would regularly tell his family that he loved them.
However, Jason is the product of a family tree that has
strong inherited addictive genes and mental illness--many of
those struggling with addiction suffer with dual diagnosis,
and this resulted in Jason's demise.
Jason was never allowed enough time in any treatment
facility for recovery to take hold. Losing his job meant
losing his medical insurance. There is no in-patient
treatment that covers beyond two weeks with just Medicaid.
After two weeks of treatment, Jason came out clean, but not
skilled, not yet strong enough, not able to keep the disease
at bay. He was then sent into a halfway house that had no
accountability for any of its clients.
Jason tried, he tried so hard. He wanted to be drug free; a
simple man living a simple life. Jason was a part of the Anne
Arundel County Maryland Adult Drug Court Program. Once-a-
month hearings with the judge and once-a-week case manager
meetings isn't enough for some of those struggling with
addiction to be successful.
His family can't stop thinking about Jason; loving him,
missing him, and needing him in their lives. Jason was a
treasure to them all. He was a beloved child. He was a good
person and son. He needed help; he asked for it but was only
granted snippets of hope that would never lead to solid
recovery. Individuals struggling with addiction are our
children, spouses, our family.
Mark C. Fuscia--Voorhees, New Jersey
Mark Fuscia passed away to a heroin overdose on February
12, 2010. Mark was a wonderful, kind, respectable, energetic,
intelligent and loving person. Our family used to call him
the politician because of his outgoing and friendly
personality with people.
At the young age of 14, Mark began experimenting with
drugs. During this time his family thought he was just going
through the teenage phase of life, and were unaware Mark had
fallen into a strong addiction. He started out with
marijuana, then moved to mushrooms, cocaine, pills then
heroin.
Mark was really good at various sports from a very young
age, but was most passionate about baseball, which he played
since elementary school up until the end of freshman year of
high school. Although he did very well in school throughout
the years, his family was told by a teacher that Mark was an
excellent student but there was concern that he was a
follower. Being a follower, Mark decided after finishing
baseball in freshman year to quit the team like some of his
friends had done. It was just the beginning of Mark becoming
disinterested in things he previously really enjoyed.
[[Page E1680]]
As his addiction began the summer before sophomore year of
high school, Mark faced a lot of challenges--including
arrests as he sold drugs to support his gradual habit. During
his senior year of high school, despite all of the ups and
downs, Mark had managed to get two partial academic
scholarships to college. His family couldn't have been more
proud of him and continued to show support and love, hoping
that he would have a bright future ahead of him.
Mark tried so hard to overcome his addiction and to stay on
the straight path, but his addiction was so strong and
followed him right to college. His family were always
supporting him, including trying to help him through these
difficult years. They all loved Mark so much and were
confident that with their help he would be able to overcome
his addiction in time. At the time, Mark's family did not
fully understand the grasp the disease of substance use
disorder has on individuals.
Andrew Gibson--Boston, Massachusetts
Andrew started using drugs in Middle School in his hometown
of Billerica, Massachusetts. First it was marijuana, which he
used in excess (3-4 times a day starting before he went to
school). He sold marijuana for many years until he graduated
to opiates. He started with 30mg Percocets until he
discovered that heroin was less expensive.
Andrew's learning disabilities made school difficult for
him and he never liked it, but he was successful during his
last two years of in a charter high school because of the
supportive community, teachers and administration. Andrew
graduated in 2012 and never went to college.
Andrew loved dirt bikes and did his senior project on the
dynamics of dirt bike engines. He also loved cars and was
proud of his Acura Integra that he drove to school while
blaring the sound system that he had installed himself.
Andrew was always looking ``fresh.'' He took pride in how
he presented; he'd clean dirt off of his spotless white
sneakers, wipe smudges off mirror sunglasses and sport a
crisp haircut. A hat to match the color of his shirt and
sneakers. He was well-liked, charismatic, respectful, kind
and always willing to help a friend. He had difficulty being
kind to himself. He was always focusing on his mistakes and
dismissing his successes.
Andrew relapsed many times and struggled to embrace the 12
Step Program. In 2014, he was charged with possession and
trafficking of heroin and was sent to jail. It took being
arrested to make him realize how serious his addiction had
become. From there Andrew went to a sober house in Portland,
Maine, where he learned how to live a substance free life.
He got a job as a cook at a local restaurant, he started to
work the 12 Steps, got a sponsor, attended and spoke at
meetings, started mental health counseling, joined a gym and
was feeling good about himself. He looked and felt great--
having gained back some of the weight that he lost when he
was using.
Andrew passed away in Portland, Maine on April 11, 2015,
after a three-year battle with Heroin addiction. He was 21
years young. In his short time on this earth, Andrew helped
countless people. Many people have told his family that they
wouldn't be sober or even alive if it weren't for him.
Jessica Elizabeth Grubb--Charleston, West Virginia
Jessica Elizabeth Grubb, second oldest of five sisters,
died on March 2, 2016 as a result of oxycodone toxicity.
After struggling for many years with the demon that is heroin
addiction, Jessica's mother had hoped and truly believed that
Jessica was finally on the clean and sober path to recovery.
Jessica's struggles began during her freshman year of
college, when she was raped at a party; not telling a soul
about the incident for six years. This set the stage for many
agonizing years of depression, addiction, anorexia, and
bulimia. Jessica said that heroin was the only thing that,
``made her not care.''
In the six months prior to Jessica's death, she was slowly
improving and coming back to herself. She had found a city
she loved, a job, a supportive community, and was exercising
a lot. Jessica was running many miles a day, which seemed to
be helping her with her anxiety.
Unfortunately, due to all of the running, Jessica had a
reoccurrence of a bone infections and had to have surgery in
February. Jessica's family panicked. Doctors are too free
with prescribing narcotics and many have no idea what these
drugs can do to someone who is already struggling with
addiction. Therefore, Jessica's family drove six hours to be
with Jessica; they wanted to make sure these doctors knew
about Jessica's history of struggling with addiction. They
made it clear to all nurses and doctors that Jessica was
recovering from a heroin addiction and Jessica told them the
same thing. But when Jessica's mother mentioned this to one
of the doctors, he said, ``Shhh!'' She asked him, ``What are
you talking about?'' The doctor began to tell her that,
``Jessica is such a sweet girl, we don't want people knowing
that.'' Jessica's mother was struck dumb by the doctor's
comment.
The weather forecast showed an incoming snow storm, so
Jessica's family ended up only staying two days with Jessica,
leaving for home after her surgery was complete. They were
confident that all would be well; meaning, Jessica would not
be prescribed any narcotics.
That afternoon the doctors put Jessica on an IV containing
oxycodone, reawakening her addiction. They then sent her home
with 50 oxycodone pills and a peripherally inserted central
catheter (PICC or PIC line).
The next day Jessica's family tried calling her multiple
times, as did her sisters. Jessica was supposed to be the
maid of honor in her oldest sister's wedding. They even were
sending her pictures of dresses. They received no response
from Jessica.
Jessica's family panicked and called the local sheriffs
department and they proceeded to conduct a police welfare
check on Jessica. Jessica was found dead. Eight of the 50
prescribed oxycodone pills were gone. On March 2nd, Jessica
became one of the 129.
Shawna Gurule--Denver, Colorado
On May 25, 1990, Shawna's mother was blessed with having
the most beautiful daughter. Shawna was the cutest baby--fat
and chubby, and hardly ever cried. From an early age, Shawna
was full of life. When she was older, she was a cheerleader
and loved playing volleyball, singing and dancing. Shawna was
passionate about hairstyling and was great at it--she would
do all her girlfriend's hair for special occasions.
Shawna's mother dealt with her daughters struggles with
addiction for years; beginning around 13 or 14 years old,
when she was introduced to prescription pills. Consequently,
Shawna's behavior started to change, affecting their
relationship. Shawna was no longer the baby girl that her
mother knew, she was someone else.
Over the years, Shawna tried to clean up her act, not only
for her own well-being, but for her newborn son. In 2015, she
was introduced to heroin by the boyfriend she was living
with. Shawna hated how overpowering heroin was; she had
little control and felt she could not refrain from using.
On January 9, 2016, Shawna's mother received the dreaded
call; Shawna had overdosed in the boyfriend's home and was in
critical condition. A mixture of heroin and methamphetamine
was found in her system. On January 11th, just three days
later, Shawna was pronounced dead.
``Heroin came into our lives and now my baby girl is gone
forever,'' writes her mother, Rosalie. ``This is what a taste
of this drug does. My family will be forever broken.''
``Have your stories heard. Say them loudly and help other
parents, brothers, sisters, and children through this ugly
battle with drugs. Don't enable your children but also don't
push them away. I send my prayers and tears for all of our
children.''
Michael Duane ``Mike'' Hannay--Mason, Michigan
Mike was, and still is, an amazing human being. He had the
most contagious smile and the best hair. He was hilarious,
sarcastic, and incredibly witty; he had the most amazing
sense of humor. Mike had such a big heart and never spoke bad
about anyone. He always had a carefree, laid back attitude.
Mike was so intelligent--the kind of person who never had to
study but still got A's and B's. He could answer any Jeopardy
question--things that make most of us say ``Huh?!'' Mike
could fix any computer problems in five minutes or less, make
you feel better on your absolute worst days, make you laugh
until you cried and your cheeks hurt. Mike loved going to car
shows with his father. Together, they restored a '57 Chevy
the summer before he passed. Mike and I were best friends
since we were young and were always doing things together.
His family were all so close, a tight-knit family. Seeing
Mike suffer from addiction was heartbreaking for all of them.
Mike hurt his back in a car accident and, like many who
succumb to addiction, was prescribed pain medication and
Xanax by his doctor. One day, at the end of 2009, Mike
crushed his hand at work in a 20-ton brake press, resulting
in the amputation of the tips of three of his fingers. He
later underwent five surgeries to repair his hand. The
severity of his injury, the numerous surgeries, and pain
resulted in increased access to prescription medication that
enhanced his addiction.
This was when Mike starting trying heroin. He overdosed
twice but made it out alive on both occasions. The first time
was in March of 2011 and the second in October of the same
year.
For the next few years, Mike struggled off and on with
addiction. Finally, things were looking up. He had a new job
and was doing great. Mike was blessed with his first and only
nephew six months prior to his passing. Mike had been clean
for a year and four months before he relapsed and lost his
life on September 20, 2013.
No one saw this coming, not his friends or his family.
Hannah Dakota Veit-Hartl--Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Hannah was a smart, witty, caring young woman. She brought
the life to any party with her infectious, sometimes twisted,
sense of humor. To her parents, she was the daughter we all
hope for. She was a self-motivated honors student, cool-as-a-
cucumber ice hockey goalie, and a protective big sister to
her two siblings. She enjoyed skiing, swimming, traveling and
hanging out with her family.
As Hannah went through her teen years, she gravitated
towards a partying culture and became somewhat of a music
``savant.'' As she continued on her college education at
UCSC, little did Hannah realize that the all-too-easy to get,
ubiquitous, and cheap heroin, would savagely alter her brain
chemistry and bring with it the disease of addiction. Lacking
a true understanding as to how
[[Page E1681]]
this drug works, Hannah did not initially recognize the signs
of addiction.
Just last year when Hannah realized that she had become
dependent on heroin, she went to Urgent Care to get help. The
only ``help'' they could give her was a taxi voucher home.
The following day, she returned to the hospital where, again,
she was handed a taxi voucher and sent away. In desperation,
Hannah called her mom for help. Unfortunately, like most
families, Hannah's family understood very little about
addiction and heroin. They were unfamiliar with what steps to
take to get Hannah the help she needed and they did what they
thought was best. Hannah's family sent her to a treatment
center, a path which they now understand was ineffective and
inadequate on many levels.
Given that Hannah didn't match the heroin addict stereotype
her family had in their minds, as she continued on in college
they thought everything was essentially under control. Even
after the course of treatment, none of Hannah's family
understood the insidiousness of this drug, the relentless
grip of addiction, nor the absurd statistical odds against
Hannah's survival. Although Hannah's active addiction only
lasted for several months, she relapsed with someone she had
met at the treatment center. Hannah was able to bounce back
and when she began her senior year of college, she believed
she was well-equipped to manage her addiction and her family
did too.
Then on March 9, 2016, she died. Hannah's tragic and
untimely death at the age of 22 has shaken her family to its
deepest core.
Like many young students during finals, Hannah stayed up
for many nights in a row studying. She did not die from a
heroin overdose-- smart, witty, Hannah made a calculation
error. She did not factor exhaustion into the equation when
taking ``just a little'' heroin to go to sleep. The dose of
heroin itself did not kill her; because she was so exhausted
the heroin fatally compromised her natural reflexes to re-
position herself while she slept. With her head surrounded by
an array of pillows, she slowly suffocated. Hannah did not
want to die; the morning of her death she had just turned in
one of the last term papers she needed to earn her Bachelor's
Degree in Psychology. On the floor next to her bed was a pile
of LSAT study books and underneath her pillow was a ``To Do''
list.
Christopher Matthew ``Chris'' Honor--Salem, New Hampshire
Chris was an average student and loved history class. He
played various sports and could spout out statistics about
any team. He wanted to become a sports broadcaster and did
work for a few seasons with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
baseball team.
When Chris was 12 years old, his mother first started
noticing some troubling signs. Chris became more defiant and
his moods would change rapidly, from extreme highs to deep
low. He scratched at scabs on his arms as a means of escaping
feeling. Chris' parents went to court and begged the judge to
get Chris evaluated for bipolar disorder. Chris' mother was
accused of wanting to simply medicate her difficult child,
but all she wanted was to give him a fair shot at life and
help him learn to deal with the overwhelming feelings. Soon
after, Chris' mother found out he had started experimenting
with marijuana.
When Chris was 17, he was picked up by the police when he
was high on ecstasy. After a big fight, Chris left his
father's house and went to live with some friends and later,
his grandmother. Chris decided he would finish his senior
year of high school by taking night classes. He graduated in
2011, got a job and started college. Things were looking up.
When Chris turned 18, he moved in with a couple of friends
and things quickly began to slip. One of his roommates was
selling drugs and the police were watching the apartment. One
night, the cops raided the apartment and everyone inside was
arrested. After that, Chris was subject to random drug
testing.
In 2013, Chris was sent to the county jail for eight
months, after threatening his grandmother. When he got out,
Chris and his girlfriend, reunited and began abusing drugs
together. Chris eventually checked into a treatment center;
but once he was stable, the facility needed the bed and Chris
was released. Later, when Chris told his probation officer he
wouldn't test clean, he was sent back to jail for the
weekend.
The summer after that seemed like a dream for Chris and his
girlfriend; they were always laughing and taking endless
walks together. On September 25, 2014, Chris' mother got a
call from his girlfriend saying Chris was going back to jail
for 20 days. Four days later, Chris called from jail to tell
his mother that his girlfriend had died from an overdose. He
said if he had been home he could have saved her.
Chris was never the same after that and went back to
abusing drugs immediately after being released and he was
picked up again by the police on April 15, 2015. When he was
released from jail on September 3rd, Chris seemed to be doing
well. He applied for a job, and later that day he scheduled a
time to get vivitrol shots. The next day Chris called his
mother depressed because he missed his girlfriend and said
that he never truly dealt with her death. On September 5th,
the Jordan family were woken up in the early morning by a
policewoman telling them that Chris was found dead.
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