TIFTON, Georgia – Susan Keene lost her son, Derek Ball, to a drug overdose less than a year ago, but she is utilizing her anguish to assist others by establishing a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall in Tifton.
“There is no shame.” It is a sickness. “The addicts suffer, and they require assistance,” Keene stated.
Keene represents the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall in Southwest Georgia, and she describes her motivation for sharing the news as personal.
“My addiction ended with an overdose. [Derek Ball’s] sickness killed him. “I want to save other families from going through this heartache, which is heartbreaking,” Keene added.
In 2023, about 2,700 people died in Georgia due to drug overdoses. Evan Brown, executive director of Oasis Recovery Community, feels the memorial wall will serve to humanize the victims.
“They are people. They are not simply junkies. They suffer from an addictive sickness. When you hear a number as impressive as that, it’s not the same as seeing large billboard boards full of young, beautiful people,” Brown explained.
According to Susan Keene, this memorial aims to reduce the shame and stigma connected with addiction.
“I am not ashamed of my son. I am not ashamed of how my son died. “I truly believe that if people start being transparent about their loved ones, if addicts start being transparent, we will begin to see change in our society,” Keene stated.