Casey’s story, cont.

The story of an overdose death gets national stage

Three months ago, Michelle Schwartzmier of Ross buried her 20year-old daughter, Casey. When she composed the obituary that would announce her daughter’s death, she didn’t use the usual euphemism — “suddenly”— that many families resort to when describing the death of a young person.

Instead of “suddenly,” Ms. Schwartzmier wrote the painful truth. Casey’s death was the result of a drug overdose. Though shocking, it couldn’t be truly described as unexpected.

What contributes to the overwhelming pathos surrounding her death was the knowledge that Casey wanted to leave the world of drug dependency behind her.

Casey was on the verge of leaving Pittsburgh for a rehabilitation clinic in California when she overdosed. Instead of getting clean, Ms. Schwartzmier’s outspoken and charismatic daughter joined the ranks of Americans who have succumbed to the opioid epidemic in recent years.

Realizing her addiction might end in death, and that she might not be able to save herself, she asked her mother to tell her story. “Maybe it would help somebody who’s struggling,” Casey said.

Though overwhelmed by grief, Ms. Schwartzmier found the emotional strength to compose an obituary that paid tribute to her daughter’s life without glossing over its troubled end. The obituary went viral and generated thousands of sympathetic responses on social media.

While it isn’t known whether she saved a life, her obituary certainly has touched some.

Eventually, Ms. Schwartzmier’s words made their way to the White House. Kemp Chester, acting director of the office of National Drug Control Policy at the time, reached out to her for permission to quote her story in speeches.

Soon, she was writing to Congress and supporting websites that help those struggling with addiction. Before she knew it, she was an activist working to help those who found themselves in her daughter’s situation.

Many of Casey’s organs were donated to help others live. Now Casey’s story — by circulating on social media and in the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. — could help others.

There’s no doubt that Ms. Schwartzmier would gladly give up all of the accolades she’s earned as the honest mother of a daughter who overdosed if she could have her daughter back. Casey is no longer with us, but she’s having a positive impact.

Casey’s unusual request to her mother that she write an honest obit if it ever became necessary gave her the motivation and strength to do so. Ultimately, we have no idea how many people will seek treatment as a result of Casey’s story, but if even one person does, Ms. Schwartzmier will be grateful her daughter’s death hasn’t been in vain.