We as a community must do our best to honor those who have been lost and fight for those who still struggle.

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I am writing on behalf of the Greater Fall River Substance Addiction Task Force and in response to an article that was recently published in The Herald News (Feb. 9), "DA’s Office: Three die of overdoses in the first four days of February."

These three people lived until the first four days of February. They were loved by their families and friends.

One young lady was once an honor roll student who aspired to be a surgeon when she grew up, a talented artist, a beautiful young woman who was loved. She was not homeless; she was cared for and loved daily by her significant other and his family. She was a sister, granddaughter and aunt who was working to save her life and fight fearlessly to combat the disease of addiction which had only taken hold of her for six months, not years, not decades, six months; and 90 days of treatment.

Another young lady, 31, lost her battle during the first four days of February. She was a beautiful soul with a smile that lit up any room she entered. She was a daughter, a mother, a nurse, a friend and a confidante to many. Did she suffer from substance use disorder? Yes, she did, but like so many others she was so much more than her disease. She was a human being who fought for her health and recovery and was winning until days before her untimely death, a young lady who wanted more for herself and her family and fought daily to remain sober.

We also lost a 33-year-old young man, a writer, father, son, brother and friend to many. He also fought daily to win a battle that would ultimately steal the hopes and dreams of himself, his family, friends and children. He was described as a legend and genius, remarkable in almost every way, and meant the world to people who knew him.

As a community we must be empathetic to our neighbors, remembering that although some of us are fortunate enough to have escaped loss at the hands of substance use disorder, many have not had the same blessing. We are human beings, each with our own individual stories and struggles.

We as a community must do our best to honor those who have been lost and fight for those who still struggle. We must continue to honor our neighbors’ struggles with the goal of ending the stigma associated with this devastating disease. The pain many in our community face is one we must not overlook but rather embrace empathetically with kindness and understanding. Although we may not always “get it,” we must continue to respect their struggles as well as those of the loved ones who have been left behind.

The Greater Fall River Substance Addiction Task Force is in the midst of a campaign against the stigma associated with substance use disorder. It is critical for everyone in the community to fight back against the stigma. Please join with us. To learn more, find us on Facebook.

Stephanie Perry, RN, CARN, is an addiction nurse specialist at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River and co-chair of Partners for a Healthier Community of Greater Fall River, Substance Addiction Task Force.