Parents, grandparents, children and friends of those lost to the opioid epidemic gathered at Robert Moses Beach on Sunday, October 6 to memorialize their loved ones and to create awareness with an art installation of tombstones.
Called the Long Island Trail of Truth “March to the Sea,” those in attendance heard from Truth Pharm and Trail of Truth founder Alexis Pleus and Steve Chassman, executive director of Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD.) Alexis also serves on a statewide coalition to End Overdose in NY and she’s the Co-chair for the New York State Harm Reduction Association. She serves on the National Coalition for Harm Reduction Funding and the Opioid Network.
A “cemetery” featuring about 100 tombstones of Long Islanders who have died from overdose was laid out in the sand as an art installation, stopping many beach goers who asked about the meaning of the tombstones. Then the families carried the tombstones along the shoreline, with the Fire Island Lighthouse as a backdrop. The march was followed by a meditation and a reading of all the names.
The intention of the event was to call attention to the loss of life, the legion of grieving family members left in the wake and to call on elected officials, nationally and locally, to commit to responsible and transparent spending of the Opioid Settlement Funds nationwide.
“As we have travelled with our National Memorial across the United States in 2024, families have joined us to grieve and heal, but also to express incredible frustration that candidates from the top of the ballot to the bottom are not talking about this epidemic,” said Pleus. “We cannot turn this scourge around without focus and dedication from our elected officials. We know what the gaps in the systems lead to our loved ones’ deaths and we’re ready to provide solutions.”
“The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence commends the mothers, fathers and family members of overdose and poisoning victims in their dedicated mission in supporting those in need and driving to ensure the on-going opioid crisis remains in the forefront of our country’s consciousness,” said Chassman. “The Trail of Truth event on the Fire Island coastline was yet another powerful installment of memorial, hope and inspiration for community awareness and advocacy that needs to continue if we are to achieve significant progress in combating this devastating public health crisis. LICADD is honored to partner with all their extraordinary efforts to see these objectives realized for the greater good of families, our communities and our nation.”
Lori Carbonaro, who lost her son Nicholas in 2014, said “We on Long Island are turning our pain into purpose and were proud to share our truth with the Trail of Truth this year; to share our angels, to say their names, to tell our stories, to not only remember our loved ones but unite and march together for a day of awareness, advocacy, activism and, most importantly, healing with a fever to make change!”
“Long Island has experienced a huge loss of life from this epidemic,” said Carole Trottere, a parent activist who lost her son Alex in 2018 to fentanyl poisoning. “The parents, grandparents and family members who are left behind will not be silent, especially during this election season, when the fentanyl crisis should be a top priority. Personally, I am asking every candidate ‘What are you doing about the fentanyl crisis’ before I cast my vote.”
The event was organized by Families in Support of Treatment, Gabriel’s Giving Tree and LICADD. For more information call 516-747-2606.