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

Dear First Lady Teresa Parson,
I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall campaign. I lost my first-born son,
Christian, on February 21, 2022, at the age of 23. His cousin found him deceased in the
apartment they shared. Christian died from fentanyl poisoning. Christian’s family and friends
mourn the loss of his daily presence in our lives.
Christian was a kind, loving man. As a child we constantly heard from others how well-mannered
and kind he was. We were proud parents. He was charismatic, a talented musician, a comedian,
an animal lover, a creative cook, fisherman, a loyal friend, loving son, and the best big brother. I
miss his laugh and his big bear hugs. He had a smile that would light up any room and a laugh so
contagious you couldn’t help but laugh alongside him when you heard it.
He was a big brother to Grant, 19, Eli, 14, Max, 12, and Claire, 11. He was enrolled in college
before his passing and was eager to get his prerequisites finished so he could enroll in the nursing
program. There are no adequate words to describe the loss his family and friends are
experiencing. The grief at times is unspeakable, unbearable, and unstoppable. My son suffered
trauma as a child in the form of sexual abuse. He repressed all memories of the event. He was
later misdiagnosed with ADHD when he was suffering from PTSD. As long as there are people
who suffer from trauma, we will have desperate people searching for anything to help make the
suffering subside. I believe we need to take a serious look at treating trauma in individuals rather
than fighting the exhausting, seemingly unwinnable war on drugs.
We need to address the grieving of all these families. I’m hopeful, as a mother and grandmother,
you will understand the urgency I, and countless other mothers in Missouri, feel towards ending
this epidemic, educating our children, and addressing the mental health of substance users as
well as those in grief.
Would you assist us in finding a permanent location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our
State Capitol complex? We have created two memorial walls, one with photos and one with
names. These digital walls and albums update automatically. We would also like the photos
displayed in hard copy format.
Missouri moms would love to meet with you & work to prevent this from happening ever again.
Sincerely,
Shanna Glore – Christian’s mom; forever 23
Farmington, Missouri
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