Contribute to Overdose-Lifeline in memory of Lynn

In memory of

Lynn Ann Gibson

Portland, OR

August 22, 1969 - April 27, 2021

Aug 22, 1969 - Apr 27, 2021

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This country is in the midst of a quiet pandemic. Much like COVID, this virus plucks people randomly and is blind to race, sexual identity, education, or wealth. The opioid crisis in this country is real, and until we stomp out the shame and stigma, it will continue on its killing spree. Who is to blame for these senseless deaths? Doctors who overprescribe pain meds? Drug dealers, who peddle fentanyl-laced pills? Families who look the other way in shame? Pharmaceutical companies like Purdue have churned out painkillers that are "nonaddictive", knowing full well that they were casting out a huge net to capture as many users as possible. Do we blame the addicts themselves? The People have spoken in regard to Purdue, and Oxycontin prescribers were at the top of the Most Wanted poster for peddling death. Pill mills began their sinister work of feeding the addicts that were the fallout from Purdue's greedy deeds. Just when we reached a crescendo of agony, Fentanyl enters the stage. My sister didn't die from Fentanyl, but she easily could have. Lynn succumbed to a fatal injected dose of Oxycodone. I don't know when or how this happened. I have dug up enough details to know that her struggle was long-term, and she was shielded by the nurses union, as well as her own secrecy. Oh, how I wish that I could transport myself to the day that someone introduced her to opioids. But Lynn was fiercely independent, and she protected her privacy like a mother bear. I had no idea. She looked thin and was uncharacteristically short-tempered the last day I saw her alive. But my sister often fluctuated in both her physical appearance as well as her moods. It wasn't concerning that she was in another spell of dieting and feeling intruded upon. That last day, I had put my phone charger in Lynn's purse. When I went to retrieve it, she became furious that I was going through her bag. I still didn't see it. So what has happened since Lynn's death? It isn't the happy ending that would make this story come full circle, with the family supporting one another, and understanding her struggle. I was asked to go along with the lie that Lynn died of COVID. I refused. As a result, I was legally disowned and removed from the family trust. I don't care about money. I want to save lives. My sister's story deserves more than a shameful lie to cover the truth. The Medical Examiner shared my sister's history from the year before she died. She NEVER tested positive for COVID. She was tested repeatedly, but the result was always negative. Shocking? You bet. Now, I am certified in Narcan administration and speak at high school assemblies about the dangers of opioids. And every single time I provide someone with a pack of Narcan or Fentanyl test strips, I tell them to please remember an amazing woman named Lynn. She lost her fight, but I am SURE that she is proud of me for making a difference. This is not about me; it is about keeping my sister's voice alive. Contribute to Overdose-Lifeline

All contributions made to Overdose-Lifeline through Ever Loved will be sent with the designation, “Wherever it is needed most”, at Julie Gibson's request.

Ali Novak

$50.00

Gave to Overdose-Lifeline in memory of Lynn

Dec. 30, 2021, 9:13 a.m. PST

Anonymous

$77.00