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

Dear First Lady MK Pritzker,
My name is Wendy Bank and I am a part of a support group, The Drug Epidemic
Memorial Wall. This group was formed to honor those victims lost to the drug
epidemic.
My only son, Austin James “AJ” Bank of Aurora, Illinois was unknowingly poisoned
to death by fentanyl given to him by someone he trusted. He was found deceased
on 10/2/2020 just 5 days before his 24th birthday.
To know him was to love him. AJ was a kind, loving and gentle soul. He was
intelligent, witty and would do anything for anyone. AJ was a devoted Chicago
sports fan. He had attended the celebration parade for the Cubs World Series and
found himself saving a fellow classmate that collapsed in the streets from the heat,
nearly being trampled. AJ was the only one in his friend group that stayed behind to
get him aid and make sure his parents were notified.
AJ graduated from Marmion Military Academy. He played football, baseball and
Lacrosse as well as being a member of the ROTC program. He loved
snowboarding, fishing and spending time with his family. AJ was a beloved son,
brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and genuine friend to so many.
It is my understanding you are an advocate for healthcare. AJ didn’t get the proper
treatment from his doctors for his depression. There are so many young kids and
adults falling victim to the mental health crisis and being left untreated because of
stigmas that are leaving many to self-medicate with drugs.
As I am sure you understand ALL street drugs, many disguised as prescription pills
are being laced with Fentanyl. Fentanyl is the #1 killer in ages 18-45 and they are all
the victims of the Chinese criminal network and the Mexican Cartels. Fentanyl
should be labeled as a weapon of mass destruction.
I so humbly ask for your support for the thousands of Illinois families grieving their
devastating loss by helping assist us in finding a permanent location within our state
Capitol to honor all those lost to Fentanyl poisoning.
Our children should learn from their mistakes, not die from them.
With Gratitude,
Wendy Bank/AJ’s Mom/Forever 23 Aurora, IL
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