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

Dear First Gentleman Marlon Reis,
I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial. My daughter, Ashley Romero
was poisoned by fentanyl in 2018. Ashley was 32 years old, my first-born child, and
a mother herself.
In 2018 I didn’t know anything about fentanyl and neither did my daughter. Sadly,
mothers across America have become experts on fentanyl after losing their child, as
we work to save other families from the devastation this drug has imposed on our
country.
As an advocate and founder of Facing Fentanyl-Fentanyl Prevention and
Awareness Day August 21st I am certain we need to share the message about the
dangers of illicit drugs. One of the ways we can educate others is to share the faces
of those impacted by dangerous drugs. The Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall is a
beautiful project honoring so many.
The Drug Epidemic Wall shines a light on a subject that has long been stigmatized
to leave people thinking “it can’t happen to us”. Look at the wall, see the faces; proof
that any family can be affected. I ask that this beautiful memorial wall be shared in
our Capitol as a reminder to all our states people that our families matter. Every life
matters and all should be shown and not hidden to reduce stigma, honor our loved
ones and educate a nation.
Sincerely,
Andrea Thomas
Grand Junction, Colorado
State Lead
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