Gail's Journey: From Grief to Advocacy After Losing Her Son to Heroin
Well, I always would tell my kids to like: look, I beg of you, just don't try it, because you will like it, like, I tell everybody you will like it, it will feel great, you will love it, but then it will turn on you and then it will kill you, and then it's just too late...
Picture a mother discovering her son's secret struggle with addiction just as he is about to finish college. Gail Cole's son, Brendan, seemed to be on a promising path until she noticed something was off. What started with prescribed pain pills after surgery quickly spiraled into a full-blown heroin addiction. Despite Gail's desperate efforts to keep him safe and find effective rehab options, Brendan's battle with addiction ended tragically.
In this deeply emotional episode of Steppin' Out Radio, Gail opens up about the heartache of losing her son and the profound impact it had on her family. But Gail's story doesn't end in despair. Through her grief, she found a new purpose: advocating for better rehab facilities and raising awareness about the dangers of addiction. Gail's candid recounting of her journey offers a raw and honest look at the struggles families face when a loved one is battling addiction.
She shares the moments of hope and heartbreak, providing comfort and connection to those who might be going through similar experiences. Gail's advocacy work is a testament to her resilience and determination to turn her personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. Whether you're directly affected by addiction or seeking to understand its impact, Gail's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support, awareness, and the fight for better treatment options.
Tune in to hear her compelling narrative and find solace in knowing you're not alone in this battle.