Our Mission

" Mrs. Harrison spoke to our 7th and 8th grade scholars after I asked her to share her personal story of her son, Tyler. This came as a result because our school district coordinated a presentation due to the fact that our community is not immune to this epidemic. Fentanyl has become pervasive within our community. Our presentation for our students focuses on learning about what Fentanyl is, how to recognize it, and the consequences of it, including death. Mrs. Harrison added a personal connection. I am sincerely grateful for her presentation because once she shared the loss of Tyler with the pupils, the impact was palpable. It became silent and she activated something in them that caused them to sit up and really listen. Taking the time to share her personal story effectively exposed our common experiences and perspectives in order to develop and enhance the relationships necessary to ensure our students make good choices that, essentially, could save their lives."

 "I was captivated by your presentation, that’s for sure. You have a powerful message to deliver."

"Your story is heart-wrenching. It was nice to see Tyler’s artwork and your presentation was just the right length of time. It helps youth to hear about drugs

from a first-hand perspective and for them to get to know your son. They need to understand the power of drugs and how drugs can affect a life and family, much like their own."

"Very good presentation. Vicky speaks from the heart without being “preachy”.

I recommend Moo to others because Vicky could be anyone’s Mom, and her perspective is very different from teachers and police officers who typically convey “don’t do drugs” messages."

"Your words touched us in a number of ways but one way is that we could envision our own mothers standing before us, telling a very similar story. It made some of us realize that we want to strengthen our bond with our mothers. We were taken aback at the courage and poise you displayed, telling your painful story."

"Your message is amazing and needs to be shared all over the world."

"You are an inspiring speaker.

You inspired me to take my addiction seriously. I will never put my mom, dad, sister or brother through that again.

Your story made me think about how I was treating people (family) by being addicted. What you are doing will touch so many people’s lives like it touched mine.

"I have terrible anxiety, depression and atrocious people skills and I was glued to my seat while you spoke. Your story was very touching and I was on the verge of tears, which I haven’t been for a very long time.

The courage that I saw in your standing in front of a group of complete strangers gave me inspiration. The inspiration to face my demons and all of the wrong I’ve done in my life."

"You’ve truly made a difference in my life.

There are so few moments in life that sincerely and deeply touch us; we want you to know that being in that room with you as we shared tears and laughter was one of those moments. Although it was extremely difficult to see our addiction from a new perspective, it will help us to remember just how selfish this disease truly makes us.

Your story affected every single one of us in this group."

"The entire room was impacted by your and Tyler’s stories."

"Material things don’t matter in the end. How much you want your son back broke our hearts. That is true selflessness and unconditional love, the kind we’ve been taking for granted all these years."

"You opened all of our hearts in an incredible way. Your message was a powerful reminder that love and life are not to be taken for granted. We feel that, for the sake of recovery, your message is one that should absolutely be heard. You have a lot of power to do a lot of good."

"I cannot tell you how much your and Tyler’s story impacted me. I sat in the front row and the moment you began to speak I felt tears fall down my face. I loved how you stated that if your story helps even one person, his struggle and death won’t be in vain. You touched me and I thank both you and Tyler."

"I have been fortunate to have Vicky as a part of my grief support in the year following the suicide of my daughter. Vicky's kind words and check-ins have been invaluable to my journey with grief. Having another mother who understands the physical and emotional marathon of the first year of grief has been a comfort to me. I am now able to follow the example of holding grief and joy together in the same space and not allow the grief to take over."

"In 2017 I was devastated when I lost my 29-year-old son, Justin, to an overdose of heroin that was laced with fentanyl. Vicky was such a good friend to me during this dark time. She constantly checked in on me, listened to me, shared with me, and connected me to other mothers who had experienced the loss of a child. Her support has made such a difference to me as I heal. Vicky also encouraged me as I created a program honoring my son called Just-in Case. This program focuses on students learning how to make good choices that will allow them to be happy and healthy. Vicky has been such an amazing resource and support for this program. She has used her own incredible pain to help others who fight addiction or support a loved one with an addiction. Thank you Vicky for all you are doing to honor your son, Tyler, and to fight this horrible epidemic."

"Vicky, you have been my rock and savior. I don’t know many people who have lost their child to drug overdose, suicide or any other causes. No one understands the immense grief and helplessness until you’ve experienced it. It’s unfathomable and heart wrenching and rocks your world like nothing else. Having a sweet soul like Vicky who can guide and support you and understands the different levels of grief recovery you’re experiencing. You told me that these feelings are normal, it’s a process and that my life will get better-these comments helped my recovery immensely. I don’t think anyone truly ever recovers but you can be a survivor and live life again. It’s a new normal. We don’t like our new normal but there are no other choices. I have felt the empathy and love from you like no other friend and for that I’m immensely grateful. Your strength and courage has brought me hope for the future. I need to channel my grief to help others. Karsten was my world and after he passed I felt my life was over and I sincerely didn’t care about anything anymore. Your daily heart messages warmed my heart as I knew I was not walking this path alone. Thank you Vicky for your love, friendship and guidance. You are truly one of a kind and I’m so very happy and grateful I met you. I’ll treasure our friendship for eternity."

"I lost my son to suicide 3 years ago. Being able to talk to Vicky openly, because I knew she understood, was very comforting. She has been through her own tragedy and connects to others with this grief in a very caring and empathetic manner. I truly appreciate her."