Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic
After losing her 21-year-old daughter, Emily, to fentanyl poisoning, veteran journalist Angela Kennecke made it her life’s mission to break the silence surrounding substance use disorder and the overdose crisis. Grieving Out Loud is a heartfelt and unflinching podcast where Angela shares stories of devastating loss, hard-earned hope, and the journey toward healing. Through powerful interviews with other grieving families, experts, advocates, and people in recovery, this podcast sheds light on the human side of the epidemic — and how we can all be part of the solution. Whether you're coping with grief, supporting a loved one, or working to end the stigma, you’ll find connection, comfort, and inspiration here.
Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic
A Mother on Surviving the Loss of Two Sons to Overdose
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Denise Roberts’ two sons, Matthew and Dillan, were born on the same day, four years apart. She was married to her husband, Tom, for ten years when he had a heart attack at age 42 and died. They were already trying to get her son, Dillan, who was 17 at the time, help for substance use disorder. Dillan went through treatment three times, but he died two years later from a heroin overdose. His older brother Matthew struggled with Dillan’s death and also turned to drugs. Six years after Dillan’s overdose, Matthew also overdosed and died.
In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Denise shares how she keeps going and growing, in spite of her great losses. Denise says her motto is, "Get up, dress up and show up. No matter what you do, never GIVE UP!”
You can read more of Matthew and Dillan's story here.
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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!
Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz
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