Black Balloon Day in Ocala: A time to remember those lost to drug addiction

Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner
·2 min read
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Michelle Pepin and Lisa Bolton are still grieving. Each has lost a child to drug overdose.

Despite their losses, the women continue to fight and preach hope.

"We're here because we care," Pepin said.

Family Service Manager Rachael Reimer with Good Shepherd Memorial Garden fills out a black balloon for a family on Wednesday.
Family Service Manager Rachael Reimer with Good Shepherd Memorial Garden fills out a black balloon for a family on Wednesday.

Inside Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens on Wednesday afternoon, the women were at the Black Balloon Day, remembering those who have died from drug overdoses. This day is observed nationally and internationally.

The women each have a nonprofit organization aimed at educating and making people aware of the dangers of drug use. Though saddened by the loss of their children, their mission is far from complete. Bolton's organization is The Dandelion Project, and Pepin's is Picking Up The Pieces.

"We want to end the stigma of substance abuse," Bolton said.

Lisa Bolton fills out a black balloon for her daughter, Kerri Fernley, who died from a drug overdose.
Lisa Bolton fills out a black balloon for her daughter, Kerri Fernley, who died from a drug overdose.

The women said far too many times, people believe drug addiction only affects the homeless or the less fortunate. They said drug use touches everyone: the young and old, the rich and poor.

Honoring the lives lost

In the past, the mothers have teamed with others who have lost children and loved ones to drug overdose to set up billboards designed to increase awarenesss.

Rachael Reimer with Good Shepherd Memorial Garden, left, directs Michelle Pepin, center, and Lisa Bolton, right, where to place rocks around a fountain in the Walk of Memories in the Cremation Garden at the Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens on Wednesday.
Rachael Reimer with Good Shepherd Memorial Garden, left, directs Michelle Pepin, center, and Lisa Bolton, right, where to place rocks around a fountain in the Walk of Memories in the Cremation Garden at the Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens on Wednesday.

Together, the women have created M.U.T.E., or Mothers United to Educate. The nonprofit group was created in memory of the children lost to substance use, disorders/fentanyl poisonings.

On the table inside Good Shepherd's chapel on Wednesday was a piece of cardboard covered with the names of 11 people who have died from drug overdoses. Among the names were Pepin's son, Ian Nelson, and Bolton's daughter, Kerri Fernley. There were black balloons on opposite ends and small rocks with the names of those no longer here.

"It's terrible to go to a child's funeral," Pepin said.

Sending a message: 'We've been busy': Moms' antidrug billboard campaign now extends beyond Florida.

Gathering the more than a dozen stones, the women went outside to an area that had water flowing from a roughly 4-foot-tall fountain. There, the stones were placed on the ground.

"We're in it for the long haul," Bolton said.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Black Balloon Day recognized in Ocala