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Local woman's story of heroin addiction going national

PITTSBURGH — A local mother whose daughter died of a heroin overdose is affecting change.

Channel 11 News introduced Pittsburgh to Michelle Schwartzmier in January when she wrote a brutally honest obituary for her daughter, Casey, who lost her struggle with addiction.

The 20-year-old was set to fly to California for drug treatment the day after she overdosed.

“I was really just writing an obituary in honor of my daughter. In honor of a promise I made to her. We never expected any of this to happen,” Schwartzmier said.

RELATED: Keeping a promise: Mother writes open, honest obituary for daughter who overdosed

Schwartzmier shared her story to try to keep other families from having to bury their child because of heroin addiction. Her story went viral.

Since then, there has been an overwhelming response of cards, letters and pictures from across the country and the world.

“Something positive did come out of this and a piece of proof that something has happened. Casey did touch people,” Schwartzmier said.

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The photos sent to Casey’s friend, Miranda Caryll, are now being kept in a scrapbook.

“It's probably one of the most touching things that I have done, and it's helped me cope more than I can explain,” Caryll said.

Casey’s story has also reached leaders in Washington, D.C.

Schwartzmier said she received a phone call from the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, who said “we’re listening” and asked to use Casey’s story in national speeches. Schwartzmier was asked if she would be willing to work with the national drug control the program.

“I said I was honored,” Schwartzmier said.

Schwartzmier said nothing specific has been planned with the White House, but they’ve already asked to use Casey’s story in speeches and drug prevention campaigns.

 

Cox Media Group

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