USA First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff

Dear First Partner Siebel Newsom,
I know you are also a mother, and I am sure you love your children as much as I loved my
grandson Demitri, and would do anything to protect them. I am writing to you with a heavy heart,
seeking your help in finding a permanent location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our
capital.
As a grandmother who has lost my first grandchild, Demitri Mustaca, to Fentanyl Poisoning, I
understand the pain and trauma that comes with losing a loved one to this epidemic. I believe you
to be an advocate for women. I have watched your documentary, Miss Representation. wonderful
work by the way.
My grandson Demitri, had just moved to California following the Christmas holidays 2017. He
loved music and had taken a position as a “roadie” of sorts. He traveled to music venues setting
up the stage and equipment and also staying and taking down. He was having the time of his life.
However, less than 6 weeks after leaving Arizona, he was given a pill, which he was told was
Xanax, to help him unwind and get to sleep. He was at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael. The
fake pill instead contained a lethal amount of fentanyl and took his life.
Demitri was 20 years old, he was naive to the evil ways of the world. He was just beginning to
explore the world, the last thing on his mind was dying.
Demitri is by far not the only young person who has fallen victim to this drug. There are numerous
stories like his. Parents all over the world have come together. We have created two memorial
walls; one with photos, and one with names, to honor those who have lost their lives due to this
drug. I am including Demitri’s frame in this letter, along with a brochure of virtual memorial walls,
albums, and our awareness campaign. These digital walls and albums update automatically, and
we would also like the photos displayed in hard copy format.
We believe that our loved ones should be treated like victims of a weapon of mass destruction.
They were all victims of Purdue Pharma, Chinese and Mexican cartels. Our group of California
moms would love to meet with you and work together to prevent this from happening ever again.
In the year 2000, there were approximately 20,000 drug-related deaths in the U.S. According to
the CDC, in 2021, 106,699 drug overdose deaths occurred.” I say, “drug overdose,” but that is not
the correct term for what is occurring. Our kids did not die from overdosing or taking too much of a
substance, my grandson died from fentanyl poisoning, which is extremely important to note.
We urge you to help us find a permanent location for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our
capital. Our goal is to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drug addiction and the
dangers of fentanyl. We want to honor those who have lost their lives to this epidemic. We believe
that your support and involvement would be crucial in achieving this goal.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Lisa Mustaca - Gilbert, AZ Demetri died in San Rafael, CA
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