Gone, but not forgotten

“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of Kellsie!” That statement was said to me by John Green, Kellsie’s dad. Kellsie died in an Anchorage jail on January 10, 2016. Kellsie was just 24 years old. She died from complications from heroin withdrawals.

Kellsie’s mother, Kathi and John know the pain and sorrow of those that have also lost loved ones. They understand that grief and loss. And, Kathi and John realize there are still many suffering souls who are lost in the darkness of the opioid epidemic. Hence, they know all so well that there are families struggling and looking for answers.

Kathi and John know first hand the frustration of looking for resources to help Kellsie when she was in the depths of the disease of addiction. Heroin addiction hijacked her brain and held her hostage. It changed her decision making, reward system and how she dealt with stress. She was locked up before she went to jail. Before the disease of addiction, Kellsie was a cheerleader, played sports and was a graduate of the Alaska Military Youth Academy.

Kathi and John did everything they could and knew to help Kellsie. They thought jail would be the safest place to get her off the streets and heroin. And, most unfortunately, it was heart breaking and gut wrenching to find out, that while in jail, she died.

The Greens know the stigma and the misinformation regarding heroin addiction. Again, they know the pain and that lingering question, what else could we have done? They want to reach out to all those families that have lost loved ones and those that are still struggling. Kathi and John want them to know, “you are not alone.” They want to share their love and support to all those who know pain and loss, along with those seeking answers.

Kathi and John are asking that every Alaskan city, town, and village to participate in a Statewide Candlelight Ceremony, Jan. 10, from 6-7 p.m. to remember all those lost to addiction. They know this is not just their story but, all of ours across Alaska. This event will hopefully bring strength and resolve to those directly impacted by the opioid epidemic. And, to start a campaign of awareness, recognition and most importantly action in seeking solutions to our opioid epidemic.

Please considering supporting our Mat-Su families at a Candlelight Ceremony, Jan. 10, from 6-7 p.m. at Nunley Park. ( 250 E.Swanson Ave.) If you would like the name of your lost loved one to be read, you can email their names to- KellsiesKey@yahoo.com

The Gathering Grounds Cafe’ at MYHOUSE will remain open during the event. ( across the street from the park) There will be speakers and a benediction starting at 6:00 pm, followed by the lighting of candles and the reading of names. A list of communities participating and locations will be posted on Kellsie’s Key Facebook page. All are welcome to join Kathi and John as we come together to provide strength, resolve and most importantly, hope across Alaska. Thank you for your support.

Michael P. Carson is vice president of MyHouse and a recovery specialist.