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

I am writing this letter to you in hopes that you will assist us in finding a permanent
location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our Capitol. We have created two
memorial walls. One with photos and one with names. A place where our loved ones
can be seen and acknowledged, a place where a parent or family member can see
their picture and touch their name. A place to show that they existed and mattered. I am
including Matt’s framed photo.
Drug addiction is a disease, it may start out as a choice but then it takes a hold of their
mind, body, and soul. It consumes their every thought 24/7 and its relentless and
unforgiving. It takes hold and destroys families mentally, emotionally, and physically.
You try so hard, but they get further and further away. The parents are looked down on,
whispered about, being judged, and wondering what we did wrong while they were
growing up. When I went to the funeral home to see him, I realized then that his face
was always angry and twisted like he was in pain, at that moment I was and still am
relieved for him that he’s finally at peace and not in any more pain.
Sincerely,
Lisa Franchitto
Whitman, Massachusetts
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