Stories from the Movement

Carole's Story

Carole’s son Martin died from injection-related AIDS when he was 33. Carole knew her son was an injection drug user, and as a nurse she knew he could get HIV from sharing dirty needles. She also knew that in New Jersey there was no legal way for him to get clean needles.

Kim Farinick: My Daughter's Story

My name is Kim Farinick and I live in Edison.  I lost my daughter, Dana Reisman, to an accidental fatal drug overdose.  Dana was an amazing woman and a great daughter.  She was a member of her school swim team, a cheerleader in both junior high and high school, and had her whole life ahead of her, but she died when she was only 22 years old.

David Dolan: My Story

My name is David Dolan and I used to abuse prescription pills and heroin.  I am proud to say that I have recovered from my addiction and have been abstinent for almost two years.  Prior to this period in my life, I spent ten years in active drug addiction.  During this time, I witnessed the tragic overdose of one of my closest friends and lost two other close friends as a result of overdose.  In sobriety, I have been very active in helping people recovering from addiction find their path.

Patty DiRenzo: My Son's Story

My name is Patty DiRenzo and I’m from Blackwood.  I was blessed with two children, Blake, who is 30 years old, and Salvatore, who would have been 27 in April.  Sal was an amazing son, brother and father – a beautiful soul who unfortunately struggled with addiction.  We tragically lost Sal due to an accidental fatal overdose.

Blake Marchese: My Brother's Story

My name is Blake Marchese.  As a teacher, I strive to educate and care for my students to my fullest capacity.  As a sister, I showed the same care and support to my brother, Salvatore, when he was struggling with drug addiction.

We are the Drug Policy Alliance

Sting, George Soros and Montel Williams agree that our drug policies must be grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights.

A Mother Speaks Out

On June 13, 1971, I became a mother when my first son was born. Five days later, President Nixon declared the "war on drugs." Little did I know then that this war would be waged against families like mine for the next four decades.
 

Desperate for Relief

Yearning to reduce both his own suffering and the burden MS has placed on his family, Charles Kwiatkowski decided to try medical marijuana.

Every Life Matters

A young woman struggles to cope with the death of her father, who was infected with AIDS as a result of injection drug use.

A Victim Becomes an Activist

The life of a nurse and devoted mother of three was changed forever when Alabama state police raided her home for drugs.