John,
The opioid epidemic has decimated thousands of families across Appalachian Ohio, where our campaign is based, and millions of people across the nation. My own family is no exception: my sister Morgan battled through the darkness of heroin addiction, which saw her life hanging in the balance not once, but twice because of overdose. Hers is a harrowing tale of resilience and strength.
Because we lived in separate households growing up, Morgan and I would bond during holidays and special occasions; we connected almost immediately, but didn't really become close until she was in her early 20s. Around that time, we started to talk more and found out we had a lot in common. This was when we really started to understand and care for each other more, becoming good friends who shared their thoughts and feelings and helped each other during tough times.
When she was still a young woman, Morgan moved out of Ohio and her life took a challenging turn. She began experimenting with prescription drugs, influenced by her then-boyfriend. This marked the start of a troubling phase in her life, which eventually led her to heroin. Morgan faced many serious and life-altering struggles that altered the course of her life, and deeply affected our relationship.
During the worst of her struggle with addiction, she vanished from our lives, cutting off all contact. This sickening feeling is something that many of us supporting loved ones who are fighting addiction have experienced. It was a time of immense worry and uncertainty, never knowing where Morgan was or how she was doing.
Her first overdose was a shock to us all, and a painful reminder of the dangers she was facing and the demons she was fighting. It brought the severity of her situation into stark reality. Then, after a brief period of recovery, she relapsed and overdosed again. These incidents were not only terrifying, but also heartbreaking—highlighting the tragic and chaotic nature of addiction.
When she finally realized what her life had become, my sister had had enough. She began her road to recovery by contacting loved ones and rebuilding her life.
When she was ready, myself and our family were waiting with open arms and loving hearts. I love my sister, and even through the hardest and most uncertain times tried my best to be her biggest supporter, in the hopes that she would be able to turn things around and come back to us.
After years of sobriety, Morgan is now married and lovingly taking care of two children, building a life that she can be proud of.
