A Mother’s Heartbreaking Warning about Opioid Abuse
Losing a loved one is never easy, but when it happens in a tragic manner, the pain can be unimaginable. Sherri Kent, a devastated mother, is sharing her story to warn others about the dangers of opioid abuse. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she revealed that her 22-year-old son, Michael, lost his life to a fatal dose of fentanyl, a prescription painkiller that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
“I just want everyone to know that my son Michael overdosed on fentanyl,” Sherri wrote. “My son was not an addict; he made a mistake that cost him his life.”
Alongside her powerful message, Sherri shared a photo of Michael in his hospital bed, intubated and unconscious, while she held him in her arms. The heart-wrenching image serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of opioid abuse.
According to Sherri, the tragedy unfolded when Michael and his sister encountered an unknown man who offered them drugs while they were running errands. Michael’s sister warned him not to take the pills, but the following day, he met with the man again and purchased the drugs. Tragically, Michael overdosed in the store’s bathroom.
“By the time the ambulance got there, he was in cardiac arrest,” Sherri revealed.
Michael was rushed to the hospital but sadly did not survive. The loss of her son has been the worst day of Sherri’s life, tearing her world apart.
The opioid crisis, fueled by potent drugs like fentanyl, has been on the rise in recent years, leading to a sharp increase in overdose deaths. Fentanyl, known for its high potency, is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, and its use is escalating in the United States and Canada.
Sherri wants to raise awareness about the epidemic that is claiming the lives of 5-7 people every day in Canadian cities. She shared, “It’s out of control, and there is no way to protect our children from this other than to warn them about the dangers of drug use today.”
The pain of losing her son is indescribable, but Sherri found solace in the support she received after her post went viral. Thousands of people expressed their condolences and prayers, showing that her message had reached many and raised awareness about the tragic consequences of opioid abuse.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Sherri and her family. By sharing her son’s story, she is helping to prevent future overdoses and protect others from experiencing the same heartbreak.
