Fighting Counterfeit Pills: Ed & Mary Ternan's Story
Episode Overview
Understanding the dangers of counterfeit pills. The importance of active grieving. Healthy alternatives to coping with stress. Creating awareness about fentanyl risks. The role of community support in healing.
Don't ever underestimate what just happened to you.
In this heartfelt episode of Cracking Open, host Molly Carroll converses with Ed and Mary Ternan, founders of the nonprofit organization Song for Charlie. The tragic loss of their son Charlie to counterfeit medication has propelled them into a movement advocating for awareness and education about the dangers of fake prescription pills. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the deadly risks associated with purchasing medication online without a prescription.
Ed and Mary share their journey through grief, highlighting the significance of actively grieving as a crucial part of healing. A grief counselor once told them, "Don't ever underestimate what just happened to you." This piece of advice has been instrumental in their path to understanding and accepting their loss. While navigating their grief, Ed and Mary realized the importance of spreading awareness about counterfeit pills, particularly those containing fentanyl.
These pills are often designed to mimic legitimate prescription medications, posing a severe threat to unsuspecting users. Their advocacy aims to educate individuals, especially young people, about the potential dangers lurking in the street drug supply. The episode also touches on the importance of healthy coping mechanisms, encouraging listeners to develop sustainable ways to manage stress and emotions.
Ed and Mary emphasize the need for open conversations about new drug landscapes and the signs of dependency, urging families to remain vigilant. In addition to their advocacy work, Ed and Mary highlight the role of community support in the healing process. They discuss initiatives like Veli, a gifting concept that provides comfort and connection during life's challenges. Through their story, Ed and Mary exemplify how service and love can fill the void left by loss.
Join Molly Carroll in this moving episode as she explores the profound impact of Ed and Mary Ternan's work, reminding us all of the power of advocacy and the importance of community support in times of grief.