Restoring Jackie…

In 2019, I was asked to be a keynote speaker for A Candlelight Vigil in Memoriam of those we’ve lost to addiction. It was held in Camden County, NJ, by the Addictions Task Force of Camden County - started by Freeholder Lou Cappelli. I had the privilege of meeting Deputy County Administrator, Dominic Vesper and Camden County’s Health Services worker, Ann Biondi, two original members of the Task Force, both of whom could empathize with my loss. I am grateful for that experience. That conversation alone was enough to move me, inspire me, and remind me of the good that exists in our community. At the young age of 25, my sister, Jackie, died of what some would call an accidental overdose. To be asked to deliver a speech of hope, of remembrance, of awareness, was an honor. Attached here is a link to my speech. I hope that this resonates with those who have lost someone to addiction. It’s time we break the stigma, restore the image of our loved ones, and begin to heal.

https://www.camdencounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/vigil-speech.pdf