Isaiah's story
Isaiah was my firstborn, my only son, and my first best friend. He was the love of my life and my reason for striving to be a better person. Isaiah loved skateboarding, basketball, graffiti art, and spending time with his friends. A true social butterfly, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
At 15, the vibrant, positive spirit that defined Isaiah began to fade. Addiction tightened its grip on him, and his struggles led us down a path filled with countless attempts to find help. We met with mental health professionals, school resource officers, administrators, law enforcement, and judges. While there were moments of progress, they were always followed by heartbreaking setbacks. As his addiction worsened, so did his mental health. For three years, I fought tirelessly to get him the support he needed, but the system failed us. With no programs available for minors, Isaiah was denied the treatment he deserved.
On October 29, 2022, my worst fear became reality. I received a call telling me to hurry. My heart sank. Though I had feared this moment, I clung to hope it would never come. But it did. Walking into that room, I lost my son. Addiction had stolen his life at just 18 years old. The night before, he thought he was buying cocaine, but it was a lethal mix of fentanyl and xylazine—no cocaine at all.
Holding Isaiah’s body that night, I made a promise. His death would not be in vain. I vowed to fight for change, to honor his life and the lives of every child lost to overdose and fentanyl poisoning. From that promise, Hope Above Fear was born—a movement to create awareness, advocate for change, and ensure that no parent faces the same heartbreak I endured.
Community Education
"STOP SAYING 'NOT MY CHILD'" PRESENTATION
Our Stop Saying "Not My Child" presentation is specifically designed for adults. During this session, you will:
- Learn to recognize early signs of substance use.
- Gain critical insights to help break the stigma that prevents people from seeking help.
- Discover effective ways to communicate with youth about substance use.
- Explore the most up-to-date local resources available for support.
This presentation equips attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to foster understanding, take proactive steps, and create a supportive environment for youth.
Empower: Real Life. Real Stories presentation
Our Empower: Real Life. Real Stories presentation is tailored for middle school through college-aged students. During this impactful session, attendees will:
- Hear real stories about local youth who have tragically lost their lives to fentanyl.
- Learn about the dangers of substance use in today’s ever-changing landscape.
- Discover eye-opening statistics at the national, state (Florida), and local levels.
- Understand the signs of an overdose and the importance of the Good Samaritan Law.
- Be inspired by encouraging strategies to help them take control and choose their story.
This presentation aims to educate and empower students to make informed, positive choices in their lives.