Parents of Nanaimo overdose victims share emotional stories of loss
NANAIMO — There were few dry eyes as family members took the stage to speak about their friends and family who’ve passed away in the ongoing overdose crisis.
Thursday, Aug. 31 was international overdose awareness day, commemorated in Nanaimo by an event in Maffeo Sutton Park.
Shannon Anderson, who lost her son Dallas on June 9, told NanaimoNewsNOW it was cathartic to speak in a safe space about how her family has been changed forever.
“I’m the face of parents across this province losing their children. I could be anybody. This epidemic we’re surrounded by isn’t picking and choosing. There’s not one demographic, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters…it’s taking everybody.”