E48 - Helen Sheehan, founder and CEO of Emman’s Heart FoundationE48 - Helen Sheehan, founder and CEO of Emman’s Heart Foundation
The Empty Chair
Helen Sheehan shares her journey from tragic loss to advocacy against substance misuse, focusing on education and family support.
58:31•16 Mar 2023
Helen Sheehan: A Mother's Fight Against Substance Misuse
“It is not a choice, it is absolutely a neurological, it's a disease, it's a, there's biology to it.”
What happens when a mother turns her grief into a powerful mission? In this moving episode of 'The Empty Chair', Phil Leahy sits down with Helen Sheehan, the founder and CEO of Emman’s Heart Foundation. After the heartbreaking loss of her son to a fentanyl overdose in April 2019, Helen transformed her pain into a relentless drive to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
Through early intervention, education, and family involvement, Helen's foundation aims to combat substance misuse and dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. Her story is one of deep sorrow but also of hope and resilience. Helen talks candidly about her son Emman, her journey through grief, and her determination to make a difference in her community. She has become a beacon of strength in Haverhill, leading efforts to raise awareness and provide much-needed support.
This episode sheds light on the profound impact of addiction on families and communities, the importance of mental health programs, and the critical need to educate children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. It's a compelling conversation that underscores the power of turning personal loss into a force for good.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.