In response to the escalating crisis of fentanyl-related deaths, a group of mothers who have tragically lost their children to this potent opioid are coming together to raise awareness and prevent further heartbreak.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement reports that the first half of 2022 witnessed over 3,000 deaths attributed to fentanyl, with St. Petersburg and Tampa ranking highest in the state. A documentary crew has been capturing the stories of affected families, shedding light on the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic.
Heidi Kettles, Rhonda Willis, and Julie Kettles share a common bond of grief, having lost their children aged between 27 and 29 to the lethal combination of fentanyl and other substances. Despite the differing circumstances surrounding their children’s deaths, these mothers are unified in their mission to raise awareness and prevent further casualties.
Despite the differing circumstances surrounding their children’s deaths, these mothers are unified in their mission to raise awareness and prevent further casualties. Rhonda Willis, who lost her son Zachary in 2022, vividly recalls the painful phone call and the shocking levels of fentanyl found in his system. The toxicology reports revealed an alarming truth: enough fentanyl to kill 20 people.
The mothers have turned their pain into a powerful advocacy movement, actively participating in public events, running support groups, and sharing their narratives to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl. Julie Kettles, who lost her daughter in 2020, acknowledges that the sorrow and pain will never fully subside but finds solace in helping others by leading a grief support group.
To amplify their message, the mothers have initiated a billboard campaign through Rachel’s Angels, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about substance abuse. These billboards serve as a poignant reminder of lives lost and a call to action for those struggling with addiction.
Additionally, the mothers are taking to the streets, distributing Narcan – a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses – to empower individuals and potentially save lives.
Tammy Plakstis, who lost her son in 2020, recognizes that the pain will never fully subside. However, driven by the increasing number of lives lost to fentanyl, the mothers are determined to make a difference. Rhonda Willis expresses, “If this whole raising awareness can just save one, just one life, then my son did not have to die for nothing.”
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the mothers provide resources for individuals struggling with addiction. Serenity Lodge, Aware Recovery Care, WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab Tampa, Turning Point of Tampa, and AmHealth Behavioral are among the organizations offering support.
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Additionally, the Fentanyl Awareness Coalition and Standing in the G.A.P. serve as crucial advocates in the fight against the opioid epidemic.
