Toni Torsch
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( Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore Sun / December 7, 2012 ) Toni Torsch, whose son Dan died of a heroin overdose, wears a locket with his picture. She is standing in his bedroom at her home. |
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I lost my son, John, at age 30 to a heroin overdose on 5-5-11. I met Toni when I received information regarding her GRASP group in literature from the Gift of Life organ donation group in Philadelphia. I was desperately searching for help with my unrelenting grief. Toni's Baltimore group was closest to my Newark, Delaware home. I drove an hour south to attend Toni's group and it was the first time I felt myself in the midst of several people who understood my grief because they were dealing with the same. I agree with Toni, that the recent passing of a prescription pill data base is a good thing, however, we are trading one problem for another. The University of Delaware is one mile from the Heroin Highway, Rt 95. Heroin is easy to get and cheaper than the prescription pills. I started a Delaware GRASP group, which is desperately needed. Toni and I try to give those incoming parents and siblings a safe haven to grieve their losses. We speak out wherever we can to make people understand that this can happen to anyone, any family. No one is immune. We are also trying to change state laws regarding good samaritan 911 laws and access to naloxone. My love and support to Toni. Her Dan and my John and many, many more will never be forgotton. Liz Perkins GRASP/ Delaware