In Loving Memory of Bethany MacKenzie

My little sister, Bethany MacKenzie, never wanted to be defined by her addiction. She was beautiful, compassionate, had a heart for others, and loved her family beyond measure. Her beautiful smile would light up a room and those who were fortunate enough to know her knew that she would do anything for anyone. On December 29th, she lost her five year battle to addiction. 


One in three families are affected by addiction. Addiction has no face. Its victims can be your loved one, co-worker, neighbor or friend. It does not discriminate or care what your socioeconomic background looks like. Addiction is a family disease, one person may use, but the whole family suffers. My tight-knit family knows this all too well. Addiction humbled us many years ago. I will never forget the first call that she had overdosed. I was in pure disbelief. Not my sister! This could not be happening to my family. I had no idea that that was only the beginning. Addiction takes everything and it leaves you with nothing but heartache and destruction.


Nothing is worse than losing someone you love. My sister so desperately wanted to break free from her chains. For five long years our family has fought for Bethany. Our family is devastated that she is gone. 


We are finding peace is knowing that our sweet Bethany is no longer suffering. She suffered for too long and is now safe in the arms of Jesus. I am humbling myself to ask for help. My parents are being hit with so many unimaginable expenses at one time. In a time when they need to grieve the loss of their child, the financial stress they very quickly inherited is overwhelming. Any small amount would be so appreciated. 


Heroin may have taken my sister, but it will never take her memory. #notonemore