Two mothers who have each lost a child to drug overdose and have long been on the front lines of educating parents, children and the community on the dangers of drugs, continue to spread that message.
Michelle Pepin and Lisa Bolton, joined by Kelly Powers Timbrell, Susan Schmidt and Leslie “Billy” Smith of Angels Across America, made stops in Lake and Marion counties and the city of Davenport this past weekend. Bolton created The Dandelion Project, while Pepin formed Picking up the Pieces. Both are founders of M.U.T.E, Mother’s United To Educate.
Remembering those lost to drugs:Black Balloon Day in Ocala: A time to remember those lost to drug addiction
Their first stop was at Leesburg High School on April 19. There, the group had a trailer featuring pictures of those who died from opioid or fentanyl overdose. Among the pictures were Pepin’s son and Bolton’s daughter.
On April 20, the team was at the McAlister’s Deli in Ocala. There, information on the pitfalls of drugs and Narcan were distributed to those at the event, which also featured a raffle. The day was somber for Pepin, whose son, Ian Nelson, died on April 20, 2018, and a celebration of life was held at the function.