Click on a name below to see their page
Danielle cherished family, friends and life. She had her whole life planned
out; her husband, number of kids, two dogs and would be a dermatologist, a career
where she could help others but have time for her family.
Christi had just enrolled in college. She just began taking First Baptist Church
shuttles downtown every Thursday to befriend the homeless. Just chit chatting
with them and letting them know they had a friend. In her journals, she was
determined to turn her life around and she started by helping others. She volunteered
often for the M.U.S.T. Ministries to help set up their clothing shop for the
homeless and the children's center. She helped cooked their meals. She helped
do their laundry. She wanted to go into a field helping others. She would have
changed at least one person's life, for the better, when they thought there
was no more hope. She didn't show up last Thursday. She died.
In the months before she was killed, 21-year-old Anke Furber had been acting
scared and she seemed to know she was in danger. Several days after Furber's
charred remains were discovered in a small vineyard in Norcross, Anke's mom,
Ria, found a note in Anke's desk at home in Marietta. In it, Anke seemed to
foreshadow her own death. She wrote, "My parents would surely grieve the loss
of their wonderful daughter whose craziness would soon lead to her slaughter".
Ria isnt sure exactly when the note was written, but believes it was written
in a close time frame to the actual murder.
At 22 years old, Levi had goals and ambitions of being a business owner, a husband
and a father. He loved his family and friends with everything in him and would
do anything for you. His shyness and manners we're a shining attribute to who
he was. Unfortunately, Levi befriended someone who for nearly three years took
advantage of his kindness and when asked to leave his home, he killed him. If
he would have just walked out the door as asked, Levi would still be here today.
We'll never know all the wonderful things that Levi would have accomplished,
but we know he was a "Friend" till the end.
Ephraim was 21 yrs old when he prematurely transitioned to the other side. He
was a very warm hearted young man. And was always available to help friends
and family. As his cousin Ben said about him: "You can lay a 1,000. on the table
and know completely that Ephraim would have never taken it". He spent most of
his days at Antique World in Clarence , NY which was owned and operated by his
Uncle. That was my sons world. A world he will no longer be able to participate
in. He is sorely missed by his family and friends.
Mark suffered a brain injury at the age of 19 the night of a high school prom.
Mark died at the age of 25. Life was hard for Mark, he lived an aphasic life.
Mark struggled to relearn his alphabet and to speak again. Neuro rehab, drug
rehab, jails, institutions and death. Mark was disabled and a fighter all at
the same time. College, heavy equipment operator, volunteering were all part
of these six years. Mark loved kids and wished he had one. Due to the selfish
reasoning of his so called friends, Mark will never be able to achieve his dreams
that he fought so hard for. Mark's struggle is over !! PEACE..........
His friends describe him as a kind, warm hearted, full of energy, always smiling,
and a very silly young man. They also said that whenever Sean walked into a
room that he had the ability lighting up the room because he was full of life
and energy! He loved his dad, his mom, and his sister very much. He had a very
special bond with his great grandma Efford and his great aunt Charlene whom
also up in heaven with him. A warm hug from Sean was just another way that he
showed his affection to his family and friends
When Cayte was in the middle school she was on the track team, she was a cheerleader
for the Nor-Roc Vikings, she was on a soccer team, and she loved attending the
dances at the Sad Cafe. When she went to high school, all of those activities
stopped. The sad reason was because she was too old. All the kids have, once
they reach high school, are the woods and the homes of friends when the parents
are at work. If she had activities to do after school when she went to high
school, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
From her birth to her passing Katty touched so many lives. Not only did her
family have the joy of watching her grow from a 6 pound baby girl to a beautiful
young woman, but so many others did as well. The lives she touched are too many
to fathom. Her beauty and grace preceded her where ever she went. Her heart
was made of fine gold and she cared for others always before herself. She was
not just special to all of us but to the Lord who saw fit to call her home at
such a young age. Her mansion was ready! When we think of Katty now we all can
be at peace because we know she is with her Lord, never to face this harsh world
we live in day to day. She is with us always when we remember her smile, her
touch, and her kind words. We all had the pleasure of being touched by an ANGEL!
We want our son's name to be Remembered and to bring hope and joy out of something
that has been the darkest and heartbreaking days of our families life. JP was
very out spoken and we have decided to be that way on this site and to be his
voice about the drug companies and the public official's that sit back and do
nothing. If we could save one person from what our family had to go Through
and is still going Through, it would be all worth it We will not stop until
the truth gets out. We want his memory to live on.
Time has gone by so quickly and it seems like we haven't seen your face in forever.
Our hearts are broken, our tears flow so freely and our souls feel empty. Michael,
you left us with so many happy memories but the memories can never take your
place. We know you and your uncle Sam are saving a place for those who cherished
you the most.
Two weeks before he died, Chuck called me on the phone. He was excited to tell
me he was joining the National Guard. He had begun to think about being a History
Teacher. He planned to attend school after basic training. He also mentioned
a new girlfriend. He was pretty crazy about her but wanted to give things a
little more time before making her "meet the parents". Still, we made plans
to meet for lunch once July wound down. He thought we might all get together
and told me not to worry, he had a job and would help pay the check. The first
time I met the young lady he was so crazy about was as she cried herself senseless
over his casket. She laid a broken heart chain and necklace across his hands.
She wore the mating half around her slender neck. Her courage in court helped
to solidify the deal that sent a drug dealer to prison. I hope she, and Chuck's
other friends, make the right decision and swear off drug use so we may never
see their faces on these pages.
Everyone ever touched by Miranda. This will be a tribute to the life she lived.
She was the most remarkable and inspirational woman I have ever known. I was
in awe of my own daughter. Even as her mother, her beauty took my breath away,
and as she walked this earth from her crawling stages to adulthood her beauty
from the inside amazed me. Miranda loved about every living thing and each friend
she had she made her relationship with them special and unique.
Jamie was a very loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, boyfriend and friend..
Most importantly he was the best father anyone could have asked for.. Even though
he was only 16 when he was taken away from us from his so called friend, he
did everything for his daughter and mother of his daughter that he had
asked to marry him when he turns 18.. Jamie was the type of kid that would take
his shirt off his back for anyone that needs it.. Jamie died on April
23, 2008.. If only his so called friend (29 yrs old), his mother and the other
people at the home called 911 instead of waiting 3 hours, he would still be
here with us today.. Jamie's dad passed away Nov 2005 and he had a hard time
dealing with loosing his father and could not believe he was gone.. Well now
Jamie is at home with his dad..Until we meet again... I am proud of you my son..Love
you always and forever, Mommy
Kaylin Marie Mathews was born on a Tuesday March 1, 1988. Kaylin was my oldest
child and my only daughter. She could play the piano, guitar, and drums and
loved to sing. She had been "spinning records" the last few years and loved
to mix music. She had been working as a d.j. at the time of her death and was
very good. Kaylin was an only child for 71/2 years. She has one brother and
one sister. She was a talented writer. She made jewelry and she could draw.
There was nothing that my baby couldn't do, if she wanted to. Kaylin was left
to die in a ravine on June 30, 2008. She was found on July 1, 2008. Her date
of death is listed as a Tuesday July 1, 2008. She was 20 years old. I miss her
every second of every day. The world lost an amazing talent and an amazing young
woman. I lost a part of my heart.
R.J. was truly a blessing in our lives. He was the kind of son that most parents
only dream of having. He always respected and obeyed his parents and never got
in trouble. RJ was never in trouble in his life RJ always called home to let
us know where he was and when he would be home. When he was missing and we couldn't
reach him on his cell phone, we knew immediately something terrible was wrong.
This is a nightmare that no parent should have to go through and we are living
it. Our concern is not what we are going through, but what our son had to go
through in his final moments of life.
William Michael Grandchamp better known as Billy, was born Nov 7,1979. HE was
a only child. Billy had many friends. Billy often told his friends that his
MOM was his best friend. Billy liked to collect sports attire like jerseys and
sports caps.Everything he wore had to match. He was meticulous with his clothing,
car, and home. Although, Billy had no children of his own he loved children.
He told me his greatest wish was to find a good girl and settle down and have
a family. That seemed to be very important to him. Even at a young age he had
a gift with children. Billy's friends have always commented on how good he was
with their children and how their children loved him. Billy was loved by so
many people. He had over 800 friends and family members at his wake. Billy will
be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Chase lived life spontaneously with the freedom of a butterfly – a free spirit
& soul – no one could hold him down, except his baby girl. She was his LIFE.
There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her, including getting clean. Chase
was clean 1.5 yrs, after 6 months in residential rehab in New Orleans, continued
with NA meetings, substance abuse group counseling, and sought out a Navy recruiter
who told him all he would have to do to be eligible. He seemed to be on his
way, until he fell off the wagon 12 days out of jail. Turning to heroin again
to deal with stress was the mistake of his life. “Chase’s Story” is shared with
you on his main page. Thanks for taking time to read it. Sincere and heartfelt
thanks to the FDLFD Family for taking us under their wings. “They will sing
me to them, and I will hear.” ~RIP Chase~4evrYng~1985-2009
Katelynn Lillian Porter, 16, of West Elgin, was killed in a car crash on Dunborough
Rd. in Elgin County. “In loving memory of Katelynn Porter. 12/12/09. 9:40 p.m.”
is written between two hearts on the roadside memorial, a makeshift cross. Porter
was a student at West Elgin secondary school, where officials are trying to
come to grips with the news of her death, especially so close to Christmas.
Tony passed away 10 days after his 16th birthday. He asked permission to spend the night at his friends and I told him yes. I told him" I love you" and he replied "I love you too Mom. Tony was the kid who wanted to make everyone laugh. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. He would talk to his friends for hours trying to help them solve their problems. He was a loving big brother, and a wonderful son. He would help you with anything without even being asked. Tony was an extremely intelligent child. He was always placed in advanced classes. A week before he passed we received a letter from Columbine informing us that Tony was nominated to participate in their advanced English Program. He had a gift for writing stories.
She loved all things technical and mechanical with her older brother Ian and fashion and decorating days with her older sister Genevieve. She loved Gothic country art, the workings of the human body, video games, driving and her new tattoo machine. She loved swimming and surfing. She loved all things living and loved her dog Timpleton and her parrot Thermopolis. She had a strong heart and soul, was an independent and progressive thinker, open minded and a will power like no one else. Her favorite place to go was Barnes and Noble.
Vivianna Satterfield was 15 years old! Vivi was the type of young lady that put other people in front of herself. She would always say "Peace and Love".
Kelli Laine Lewis is my only daughter. Kelli died when she was 18 after attending a party hosted by 3 adults who offered a $5.00 entry fee to come and drink all you wanted. A pretty tempting offer for teens not old enough to buy alcohol.
Growing up – she had it all. She was smart and witty - she could come up with a jovial comeback in almost any conversation or situation. She wShe was smart and witty - she could come up with a jovial comeback in almost any conversation or situation. She was always photographing everything and always laughing. She had an infectious laugh, loud and squeaky, but incredibly endearing. Taylor was a huge fan of Tyler Perry’s Madea. She owned every play and knew every word to every gospel song in the plays. She would sing them at the top of her lungs to anyone that would listen. as always photographing everything and always laughing. She had an infectious laugh, loud and squeaky, but incredibly endearing.
He went out THE FIRST TIME to celebrate being "LEGAL" with a creep he considered a friend (even though we warned him this guy was not a true friend). My son did not drive so he was picked up about ten thirty. Even when it was obvious my son was having difficulties this creep brought him to his own house , which is 4 houses away for a few hours, and dropped him off here at home in the middle of the night WITHOUT KNOCKING OR CALLING OR WAKING US UP. We found Ben in his bed the next morning when we tried to wake him.
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Utah News:
One miracle
after another occurs through the passion of one full time
single father whose original intention was to reunite his
12-year-old daughter with her addicted mother.
Deep in the heart of Utah, commonly referred to as "Happy
Valley," residents enjoy one of the lowest crime rates,
highest literacy and language fluency - even the most jello
consumption - across the nation. Yet under the glossy
exterior of this beautiful community, there are less popular
categories that Happy Valley contends in but doesn't
advertise, including prescription drug abuse, double the
national average of anti-depressant drugs, even suicide. In
Happy Valley at least one teen per week dies from drug
overdose.
The real-life true story, Happy Valley, sheds light on the
growing problem of prescription drug abuse in Utah County
and, as importantly, the associated issues of denial,
conformity, social pressure and guilt. The film intimately
follows several lives and families that have been
dramatically affected by prescription drug abuse leading to
street drug abuse and addiction. From these stories and a
single father's journey to reunite a family emerge
unconditional love, forgiveness, acceptance... even
transformation. Examples
One: Meet Danny. From all appearances, Danny is an
extremely successful entrepreneur with a beautiful family,
prominent in both his community and church. However, Danny
has harbored a secret addiction for more than 15 years.
Danny's courage to risk everything for recovery inspires
throughout the film.
Two: "Greg" takes us through the high and lows of
drug abuse with humility and honesty. Initially, Greg agreed
only to be an anonymous participant for the film's research,
however, his story becomes so powerful that he chooses the
path of recovery. Greg surrenders to his addiction,
portraying endless personal transformation and growth.
Three: A harrowing story of heartbreaking addiction,
broken families, and even death is told from inside prison
walls, both literal and emotional. A mother and daughter's
story ends with consequences but also the discovery of the
exhilarating freedom that comes through forgiveness. The
miracle in all of this is, how the movie ends. Unbelievable.
These miracles and more become the heart of Happy Valley
with additional interviews from the State Medical Examiner,
residents, local undercover cops, doctors and recovering
addicts. The film also touches on the reality that we are
the sickest generation of Americans ever and the disturbing
blur between pharmaceutical and street drugs.
Happy Valley will open your eyes to a culture where denial
and guilt are instinctive, and it will open your heart to
the people who are brave enough to face it and step through
it.
"I did not find this story, it found me. It was long
overdue. The whole project is a miracle. The intent is to
create in all of us the conversations we are avoiding. There
are many forms of addiction, hence Whats in your Jello?
-- Ron Williams, Director, Producer & Creator
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Deseret News - "Colorado fest to show Utah film"
A documentary that examines prescription drug abuse
in Utah has been accepted at the Breckenridge
Festival of Film in Colorado. The film, "Happy
Valley," was one of 41 accepted to be screened at
the June 8-10 festival.
Click here
to read the full story.
Deseret News - "Utahn's documentary wins grand
prize"
A documentary that sheds light on the growing
problem of drug abuse in Utah on June 10 was awarded
the grand prize at the 2007 Breckenridge Film
Festival in Colorado.
Click here
to read the full story.
Happy Valley Press Release - "Utah-Produced
Documentary Wins Top Honors at International Film
Festival"
Happy Valley, a documentary that shines a dramatic
spotlight on the growing problem of drug abuse in
Utah, was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2007
Breckenridge Film Festival on June 10. The
26-year-old annual event is one of the oldest and
well-known film festivals of its kind in the nation
and has consistently introduced some the best films
produced.
Click here
to read the full press release.
Salt Lake Tribune - "Shedding light on drug
addiction and possibly saving lives"
Ron Williams didn't set out to make a documentary
about drug addiction. The subject was "pretty close
to home," he said. "When you're affected with drug
addiction in your home, and you're trying to keep it
quiet and keep it contained, . . . to live with that
is to die with that," said Williams, CEO of the
Orem-based health-products firm ForeverGreen. As he
was helping someone close to him get into rehab,
Williams thought, "I'm just going to videotape this
process."
Click here
to read the full story.
Happy Valley Press Release - "Utah-made
Documentary Takes Center Stage with Local
Dignitaries"
Happy Valley, a documentary that shines a dramatic
spotlight on the growing problem of drug abuse in
Utah, will debut in a private screening this Tuesday
at 3:00p at the Salt Lake City Librarys Nancy
Tessner Theater for a variety of government and
medical officials who are interested in making a
difference in our community. Among those expected at
Tuesdays showing are various state officials
including members from the Utah State Student
Council, the Utah State Drug and Violence Task
Forces, Utah Parole Chiefs, the Utah Attorney
Generals Office, Utah Court Employees and other
prominent citizens within the community.
Click here
to read the full press release.
Voice of Utah - "'Happy Valley' documentary on
Utah County drug use - Wow"
I met a man this evening who jumped from the sky
last night and was reborn, like aliens. I couldnt
understand it, he said, unless I understood
mathematics. Nor could I understand why Trax rails
dont work, because metal and concrete are like fire
and water, and they will get up and walk away. My
brother says I'm jumping to conclusions, but I
suspect this guy was on something.
Click here to read the full story.
Fox 13 News Footage of Happy Valley
Click here
to watch the video.
Letter from Utah State Representative, Brad Daw
Click here
to read the letter.
Salt Lake Tribune - "Silent killer: Overdose
deaths reach epidemic proportions"
After years of calling Utah's highways home, the
Grim Reaper has a new address. He's living in your
medicine cabinet under assumed names - oxycodone,
hydrocodone, fentanyl, morphine, methadone. These
are prescription medications that provide effective
short-term and long-term pain relief to millions of
people. Without them, many would suffer terribly and
some of those would seek relief in suicide. Taken as
prescribed, these powerful drugs can make life
bearable for the pain-wracked patient.
Click here
to read the full story.
Salt Lake Tribune - "War On Drugs Waged On New
Front"
More kids abuse prescription drugs than illegal
ones, so a new campaign is being launched to help
young people make smarter choices Francine Haight,
Mother: "I tried to resuscitate him, but I could not
bring him back." This anguished Laguna Niguel nurse
still finds it hard to talk about her son, Ryan, six
years after his death. The 17-year-old jumped
online, ordered Vicodin and morphine, and died from
an overdose.
Click here
to read the full story.
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Director Ron Williams at the Breckenridge Film
Festival. Lines formed around the building for a
sell-out crowd.
Director Ron Williams with actress Jessica Biel of
Make the Difference Network.
Click here
to view Ron Williams' b |
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Helpful Personal
Links
Wrist Bands
Made by Danielle McCarthy's Parents
We Are the Broken
We are the broken
Our lives have changed
Our children taken,
We're filled with pain.
We look to you
To show you care.
At first you support us
Then you're not there.
We see you out
You see us too
You avoid us
That hurts too.
What did we do
For you to leave?
Our children died
Now we grieve.
We put on masks
When you are near
We scream inside
But you don't hear.
You tell us, "Move on.
Get on with your life."
We simply nod
Your words piercing like a knife.
We long to say our child's name
The one you want unspoken
So you don't call because you're
afraid
Of we, who are the broken.
By: Kim Lasater
Mother of Kaylin Mathews
Copyright 2009
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