Moss and Ink local

Recap of Our Community’s Overdose Awareness Event

On a sunny and thankfully not too hot Saturday, August 23rd, afternoon, our small town came together for a heartfelt Overdose Awareness Event, uniting to honor those affected by overdose, raise awareness, and foster hope for recovery. The event was a meaningful blend of reflection, education, and celebration, bringing our community closer in support of this critical cause that is sadly becoming all too familiar.

After Survivor Ken gave the Event Kickoff Address, he introduced Lana, who acted as the host to those giving testimonials or introduced the resources they offer. Lana points out that currently, there is no real support group out there for the parent-survivors of those who succumbed to challenges with addiction.

Before we get into the main things that happened, I just want to point out that the Team that made it happen did an amazing job!!

Heartfelt Testimonials

The event featured powerful testimonials from individuals who shared their personal journeys with addiction and recovery. Their courage and vulnerability resonated deeply, offering inspiration and reminding us of the strength found in community support. These stories highlighted the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing overdose and substance use challenges.

Here are their stories:

• Jimmy emotionally exclaimed he has been 3 years sober from alcohol and is very close to his 3 year sober-versary from drugs as well! He stated he “lost a lot of people to drugs” and calls for others to take his advice to “get clean and turn to Jesus!”
• Warren testified to his sobriety since 1993, which is just an amazing feat!
• We heard from Tammy, who has been sober from alcohol for almost 20 years, which she attributes to her time working with Alcoholics Anonymous. She hoped her words will mean something to someone in the audience, to be the catalyst for someone’s own recovery journey. She spoke about how she herself at first resisted her own recovery, as it was hard for her to recognize and truly acknowledge that she indeed had a problem. Her advice: “Change is hard, get a Sponsor!”. She now trusts God and his Angels to be with her and continuously support her. Tammy read a few pages out of the ‘Courage to Change’ Book by Al-Anon Family Group Head Inc , which is a book often used/read by individuals during recovery. Attending Al-Anon meetings to this day, while sober, she loves alcoholics and hopes to help them start their own recovery journeys. Note: Al-Anon Meetings are now available remotely, via Zoom. About the 12-Step-Program ( explained after this post below ), Tammy explained ‘the program works, if you work it!’, before walking us through some of her own 12-Step journey. “The goal is not to be perfect or follow the steps perfectly, but to do it to the best of your ability.” Just like the Cub Scout motto of ‘Do your best’.
• Ken then introduced Sarah, who has lived in Streator for 3 years with her 3rd husband, but went through a lot before that point in her life. A rough upbringing, emotional neglect and no self-love led to seeking out men who introduced her to weed, then harder drugs like crack-cocaine. She has now been clean and sober for 3 years! Now working for OSF, she attributes her saving and sobriety to Jesus and her Church family. After performing the song “Help” by Anna Clendening, Sarah explained different ways people may be reaching out for help, without outright saying ‘I need help’. This could be them asking for money, rides, food or just a place to sleep for the night.

• Samantha ( Sam ), a friend of multiple OD’d individuals, shared her sadly all too common story next. She will have been sober for 3 years on September 25th 2025, after 15 years of active addiction. Finally having reached the point she knew she needed to ask for help, a ride-request was placed with AA. Her story of addiction began during childhood, which sadly is a common occurrence. A mother with mental health issues, brothers in-and-out of the system, and a Dad doing his best trying to raise her and keep it all together. At just 13 years old, Sam herself met with DCFS on her mother’s behalf, advocating for her brother’s being returned to her mother. Bad things from the siblings in the system led to her being a ‘broken kid’, being offered drugs at 13, which was followed by her brother busting her with pot the morning of picture day in 8th grade. To prevent her brother from ratting her out, she offered some of the pot to him thinking “if he smokes it too, he can’t tell on me for it!” She stayed dry and sober for ‘a while’ after having her first child at 19, but after her 3rd child at only 21, she was diagnosed with RA ( Rheumatoid Arthritis, explained below as well ) and prescribed Vicodin, explained below, by her medical provider. This was followed by her marrying into a family of alcoholics, being diagnosed with cervical cancer by the time she had 5 children, and continuously being overprescribed Vicodin by her Doctors. This led to her ‘needing’ to both begin and end her day by taking the pain medicine. After spending 2 years in-and-out of mental health treatments, Sam finally admitted to herself that the Vicodin was truly an issue and she began her first 12-Step-Program. After multiple relapses, she started believing in a Higher Power, and got a Sponsor to guide her through the recovery process. Speaking about the recovery and the surrounding community, she sadly stated “My friends didn’t make it out!“. But she is sure “there’s a seed planted everywhere in our community. We’re all in this together!”

On a lighter note, I want to highlight some special guests that attended the event:

• Bearded Dragon: Mr. Smaug
• Larger Python: Boo
• Smaller Python: Mr. Noodles

A Moment of Remembrance

A memorial segment provided a solemn opportunity to honor those we have lost to overdose. Attendees participated in a quiet reflection, sharing names, stories, and memories, creating a space of love and healing. This tribute underscored our commitment to remembering and supporting those impacted by this crisis.

• Maddie, who sadly lost her own father to an overdose, read out the ‘2025 Angel List‘, a list of local people who passed due to drug use or complications of it, in 2025 so far. The Angel List had a staggering, and honestly shocking, 130 names on it ( keep in mind it had only been 234 days within the year 2025 at the time of this event ).

Resourceful Vendors

Local organizations and vendors offered valuable resources, including information on addiction support, mental health services, and harm reduction strategies. Their presence provided practical tools and connections for attendees, empowering our community with knowledge and access to help.

• Salvation Army: Offers free Adult Rehab Centers for their 6 – 12 month programs
• Perfectly Flawed Foundation: Based out of LaSalle, they serve 13 local counties with their OD Programs, offering wound care, drug testing for adulteration ( them being tainted ), overall support and help. Currently, they are working together with both Northwestern and University of Chicago for testing drugs while the person is still alive, not just post-mortem after the Toxicology reports come in. The LaSalle Office offers support groups with community nights and more, while Training for Naloxone/Narcan ( described below ) is available as well.
• Generation Lead: A Youth-Focused Substance Abuse Prevention Campaign is offering their free services to be present at events to support the addicted youth.
• Celebrate Recovery: Present in Streator, Celebrate Recovery ( calendar/map available on their website to find a meeting fit for you ) offers religion-based recovery support with their ‘Celebrate Recovery 8 Principles’. They also have a free app available for help on the go.
• Maitri Path to Wellness: “Maitrī Path to Wellness is a supportive environment for people with addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, grief, & life transitions. ” Yes, at their location they give out FREE NARCAN to the community. Their next Event:

Music and Dance

The event was uplifted by live dance performances, which brought moments of joy and togetherness. Local artists and performers filled the air with energy, encouraging everyone to celebrate life and resilience. These performances reminded us that healing can also come through shared moments of creativity and connection.

• The Dance Group led by Bree Ninis performed multiple meaningful dances:

After the second dance performance and the announcement of prizes ( Tacos and Snow Cones from the present Vendors, as well as an Event T-Shirt ), purple flower petals were given to those attending that lost an individual to their drug problem. Those petals were taken, in a walk led by our Mayor, to the bridge in downtown Streator and released together. At the City Park, Streator Police was present ( Deputy Chief Wood as well as an Officer in his cruiser ), and while they didn’t mingle with anyone aside from the mayor, I did want to at least point out their presence!

A Community United

The Overdose Awareness Event was a testament to our town’s compassion and commitment to supporting one another. We extend our gratitude to all speakers, vendors, performers, and attendees who made this gathering possible. Together, we reaffirmed our dedication to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and building a stronger, healthier community.

The Streator Overdose Awareness Memorial Walk Committee 2025 pictured below, looks forward to continuing this important work and invite everyone to stay connected for future events and initiatives.

Written and attended by Willow Moss

For those who have asked, here are the lyrics to the song “Help” performed by Sarah at the Event:

“I’m prideful but I’m deep in denial
Thinking I could rely on nobody else, I’d be good by myself
I build my walls up, thinking I couldn’t be touched
But I held in way too much and I tried to hide from judging eyes

Now I’m slowly sinking, caving, try to fight it but I can’t breathe
Chest is heavy, hands are numb, I’m tired but I can’t sleep
Choking on my pride, my tongue is tied and now I find myself reaching out for help
I could really use your help right now
Fight or flight, I feel I don’t know how to stand on my own or which way to go

I’m waiting but I’m losing my patience
Heavy heart, I can’t take it
The weight of it is weighing on me, I’m trying to be okay

But I’m slowly sinking, caving, try to fight it but I can’t breathe
Chest is heavy, hands are numb, I’m tired but I can’t sleep
Choking on my pride, my tongue is tied and now I find myself reaching out for help (help)
I could really use your help right now (I could really use your help right now)
Fight or flight, I feel I don’t know how to stand on my own or which way to go

Did I wait too long to ask?
Is it too late to call you back?
I’ve had enough, I feel like letting go

Help, I could really use your help right now
Falling under and I don’t know how
Help, I could really use your help right now
Fight or flight, I feel I don’t know how to stand on my own or which way to go

Help (I feel I don’t know how to stand on my own or which way to go)
I need (I need), I need (I need), I need help
I need help”

Overview of Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step Program

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-Step Program is a structured approach to recovery from alcoholism, emphasizing personal accountability, spiritual growth, and community support. Developed in 1935 by AA’s founders, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, it guides members through a series of steps to achieve and maintain sobriety. The program is non-professional, peer-led, and open to anyone seeking to overcome alcohol addiction. Below is a brief overview of the 12 steps:

1. Admit Powerlessness: Acknowledge inability to control drinking and its impact on life.
2. Believe in a Higher Power: Accept that a greater power can aid recovery.
3. Surrender to the Higher Power: Decide to turn one’s will and life over to this power.
4. Moral Inventory: Conduct a fearless and honest self-assessment.
5. Admit Wrongs: Share personal shortcomings with another person and the higher power.
6. Address Character Defects: Become ready to have flaws removed.
7. Seek Removal of Defects: Humbly ask the higher power to eliminate shortcomings.
8. List Amends: Identify those harmed and prepare to make amends.
9. Make Amends: Directly address harm caused, where possible, without causing further harm.
10. Continue Self-Reflection: Regularly assess personal behavior and correct mistakes.
11. Seek Spiritual Connection: Use prayer or meditation to strengthen connection with the higher power.
12. Help Others: Share the program’s principles with others and practice them in daily life.

The program emphasizes anonymity, mutual support through meetings, and working with a sponsor to guide recovery. It remains a cornerstone for many seeking sobriety worldwide.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness, most commonly in the hands, wrists, and knees. Over time, this can damage joints and lead to reduced mobility. RA affects people differently, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and it may come and go in flares. It’s more common in women and typically starts between ages 30 and 60. While there’s no cure, treatments like medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.”

Vicodin:

“Vicodin is a prescription pain medication combining hydrocodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain perception, while acetaminophen enhances pain relief and reduces fever. It’s typically used for moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery or injury. Vicodin is taken orally, usually every 4-6 hours as needed, but dosage varies based on medical advice. It’s a controlled substance due to hydrocodone’s potential for addiction and misuse. Common side effects include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dizziness. Serious risks include respiratory depression, liver damage from acetaminophen overuse, and dependency. It should only be used under medical supervision, with caution for interactions with alcohol or other drugs.” If you have watched Dr. House, this is the medicine he was always seen chewing.

Naloxone, brand name Narcan:

“Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers such as Vicodin. It restores normal breathing and consciousness within minutes, making it a critical lifesaving drug in emergencies. Administered via nasal spray (e.g., Narcan) or injection, it works quickly, often within 2-5 minutes. Naloxone is safe for layperson use, with minimal side effects, though it may cause withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals, such as nausea, sweating, or agitation. It’s not a treatment for addiction but a temporary intervention, requiring immediate medical follow-up. Available over-the-counter in many places, it’s widely distributed to combat opioid overdose deaths.”