1996
2015
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Sponsored by Breitenbach-Anderson Funeral Home - Middletown.
April 3, 2016
There are no adequate words to express my feelings about your grief, pain and loss over beautiful, beautiful Alison. She did not chose to have the illness of addiction. Nor did you do anything to cause it. Family suffers as much as the addict; actually more.
Just like nobody chooses cancer or Alzheimer's, nobody is jumping rope at age 6 saying I think I would like to be an addict when I grow up. Society needs to stop shaming addicts. Shame is lethal.
Shame and the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction hampers people from getting help sometimes.
Your honesty and unbelievable courage took some of the power away from unfortunate stigma that so often accompanies this devastating illness.
You honored Alisson's life by doing that.
My heart goes out to you. I am 8 years sober and my life if hard due to my past and living in a society that won't let me ever forget that I was once in active addiction. That is our next frontier to face; when an addict gets sober, let's let go of what can be a troubled past and let them live in peace assuming they have made amends for all harm done.
Tiphania Campbell
November 4, 2015
My heart goes out to all mourning for her. I didn't know Alison, I came across this story online. I wanted to let the parents know that I believe not keeping that it was an overdose a secret will help others. I am an ex IV Heroin Addict. Four years clean, I am 24. Had I seen a story like this, where there were parents grief stricken to have lost such a beautiful soul, I wouldn't have started using- or, had I seen it later, I would've made more of an effort to quit sooner. I promise its making a difference. Know that I am thinking of you all, and from my little family to yours, I am so sorry for your loss.
Courtney Nichols
October 7, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
Vanessa
September 29, 2015
While watching Dr Oz today, I learned of your loss. I am so sorry. Your daughter was beautiful and seemed to be a great young lady. She had an active young life.
I can clearly see how you are struggling with your loss, and probably will for a very long time. Just know that God will give you all the comfort that you need right now and forever, as long as you continue to ask him for it.
You can't imagine the number of prayers prayed on your behalf.
May you all continue to be blessed.
Respectfully,
Ralph
September 27, 2015
I miss Ali so very much......prayers forever.
Cathy McCormick
September 22, 2015
Dear Dorothy and Fred,
I am so very for your loss.
May Alison's memory be eternal.
Marge Frank
September 21, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I dont know you, I'm from NJ, but your story came up in a search. My heart goes out to you, my daughter struggles. We've lost alot of young people to this. Thank you for sharing. Again, my heart and prayers go out to all of you, i'm so sorry for your pain.
Pamela Laskie
September 16, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss, but profoundly grateful that you are/were willing to share with such honesty the cause of your beautiful daughter's death. Blessing to you in your time of grief and always!
Jacqueline Gordon
September 14, 2015
My love and condolences to your family. Alison will live on in your hearts and in your smiles.
Ashley
September 12, 2015
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for your bravery in sharing Alison's story.
Cindi Misskelley
September 12, 2015
What a beautiful obituary you have written for Alison. Thank you for your bravery and honesty during this heartbreaking time in your lives.You are opening discussions everywhere and rest assured,your precious babygirl will be remembered. We all feel your loss and grieve with you.
Monica Miller
September 12, 2015
My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Gerald Hawkins
September 12, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss. We know what you are suffering now. There are many of us that have felt this agony. Our condolences and sympathy in this terrible time.
Patricia Murdock
September 12, 2015
So very sorry for your loss...
MD
September 11, 2015
My condolences go out to all of you as you deal with the loss of Alison. As a school principal, I am so impressed with your decision to publish the cause of her death. You never know how much of an impact you may make for others. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kate B
September 11, 2015
My deepest condolences for your loss and gratitude for the honesty of your sharing concerning the loss of your lovely daughter. I would love to have known her. In your sharing you have done so much to help bring about awareness and healing for so many people. Sending you all much love.
HELEN SHAPIRO
September 10, 2015
SJM
September 9, 2015
Just read about the passing of your darling daughter from a "devil cause" in a local paper on Long Island, NY. Good for you to bring this horrible addiction forward. God Bless you as you grieve and cherish the love you shared.
Joy Collin
September 9, 2015
Thank you so much for adding how your precious child died. I wasn't brave enough when I lost mine..May God give you strength...
September 9, 2015
As a parent of a 24 year old who suffered from the same addiction; I understand and feel your pain and sadness. You have done the right thing and have written a beautiful obit of the wonderful girl that I know you love. Some will not stand with you because they are afraid; but others will stand with you because they understand. Peace be with you and Peace to Alison.
Betty Sue
September 9, 2015
To Alison's parents: You are so very brave to state the cause of her death. Good for you. My sympathies to your family for your daughter's passing. You have opened the door to awareness. Thank you...so much, from parents everywhere.
Tammy Amburgey
September 9, 2015
May God bless you in your pain and loss
Liz Garrison
September 8, 2015
Thank you for sharing this. My nephew died the same way 24 years ago, at the age of 32. He was a sweet child, a handsome young man with blue eyes and black hair. His parents had been active in his sports leagues and scouting. He spent 10 years in prison for committing armed robbery to support his heroin habit. When he got out he seemed to be doing well for several years, until he was found dead in his truck. He left behind a wife and 2 year old daughter. There are no words that can soften the pain you feel.
Kathy
September 8, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss, I will include your family in my prayers during this horrible time. I also lost my daughter to heroin. The drug sucked her in and then sucked her up.She was only 32 and had a life to live yet. I miss her every day and no parent should have to bury their child.
SHIRLENE A. WHITEHURST- PERTY
September 8, 2015
Hello heartfelt sympathy on the death of your daughter. Thank you for sharing your story. That shows that you love ❤ your daughter unconditionally. Most parents would keep such an incident private. May God keep you in perfect peace. Remem-ber SORROW may endure for a night, but JOY will surely come in the morning. God Bless You and your family.
Ryan...herion stole him from us
Jeanne Frye
September 8, 2015
My heart is broken for you in the loss of your beautiful daughter. As a mom who has recently lost her oldest son, Ryan to heroin I know your pain. It has been 90 days since I received the phone call that my son lost his life to his addiction. Like Allison, he was so full of life and promise. May time slowly heal your heart, know she is at peace, and addiction free. I pray for you and all parents who lose a child this way. The guilt can be overwhelming at times. I would gladly trade places with him if I could. I am sending you a virutual hug !!
Peace and blessings to you.
Jeanne Frye...Ryan's mom
Amie Swicegood
September 8, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Her death will not be in vain.
Rest easy Allison
Thank you for sharing your story.
KF James
September 8, 2015
So sorry you lost your Allison, it is our loss too, each time a vibrant person like her is lost in the fog of heroin it is heartbreaking. May her life be remembered for the happiness she gave you and others; may her loss inspire others to wrap our arms around those that are struggling with these addictions and help us realize they can happen to anyone including ourselves. Praying for you tonight.
Laura
September 8, 2015
God bless the strength of a parent who is able to continue to guide others while grieving this great loss. I am in recovery...6 years strong. A huge problem we have in society is the stigma of what a drug addict is or looks like. That is why the addicted are ashamed to ask for help. Ya'll are wiping the floor with that shame & I say THANK YOU! This story is reaching millions & your daughter's struggle & your strength to say enough is enough WILL save a life. My hope is that it will save a few lives. May God give you peace & offer his hand while you walk through this dark time.... Please continue to fight against this nasty disease. We hear you... Carry your message ... Change the lives you touch!
September 8, 2015
A beautiful precious Angel, where our world is dimmer without you and yet brighter to your journey above.
beverly anderson
September 7, 2015
Read of your daughter's desth on Flipboard. Mom & Dad , family - you are in my prayers.
Suzanna Williams
September 7, 2015
$sorry for your loss of such a vibrant and talented young lady, may you now find some peace for she is finally safe
Praying Auntie
September 7, 2015
Alison,
You are not forgotten loved one nor will you ever be as long as life and memory last we will remember thee....
To the Family of Alison, my prayers go out to you, I know words can only comfort for the time there spoken, but may all your happy memories of Alison,find there way into your your grief and sadness and help you as you struggle to find peace and understanding to such a tragic end to a Beautiful young lady....
God Bless and take care of each other.....
R Dash
September 7, 2015
Crying for your loss.....yet overwhelmed by your desire that your daughter's life will make a difference. With love from Brentwood, TN.
Lori owen
September 7, 2015
So sorry for your loss. A parent's worst nightmare, I know. I buried my daughter last year. She had finally gotten clean at age 27, only to die one month and one week later from the harm drug addiction did to her heart. Praying for you at this very dark time.
September 7, 2015
May your daughter become on angel on your shoulder...guiding you as you take on the cause of heroin abuse across the nation. Let her voice saying "I love you" give you the reassuring strength to keep the fight going.
GInny Gobel
September 7, 2015
So sorry for your loss ... in honor of your daughter and your courage to speak out about this disease that took her life. No Shame, No Blame, Just Love
Melissa Hapner
September 7, 2015
The Hapner Family are devastated by your loss, and heartbroken for your family. We all remember Alison, at school events and with friends. She was such a beautiful light in all of our lives. Her smile was infectious, and she made everyone look her way. The world lost a treasure, and will never be the same.
Tami Thompson
September 7, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to the family of Alison. Your tribute to her was beautiful and touching. Sending lots of hugs and prayers.
September 7, 2015
I read about your daughters death in the Akron Beacon Journal. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I applaud the fact the you were honest about her addiction, and you opened it up for a lot of families to talk about this epidemic ravaging America right now!! I have lost many friends to this disease that is so very senseless. You saved lives with this obituary, your daughter did not die in vain.
September 7, 2015
I'm trying to tell you how sorry I am for your loss my screen ekes changing sorry but I too lost my son to heroin ! I could not live with it so I planned a event to raise awareness please join me and hundreds like us in rockin for a cure to heroin addiction it will be 9/27 at the token lounge in Westland Michigan I would love to share your story I have many others it's been a wake up too all of us this epidemic if you like contact me on fb leeann Caldwell Radenheimer this will be a day of education and counseling we are donating every penny to help people with addction and hope you will join us the is the first ever concert held for taking out heroin addiction we want to make a difference life matters ! Thank you for taking a stand look forward to meeting your family thank you ! And peace be with you along with many prayers !
September 7, 2015
Dear Shuemake Family, I want to offer my condolences for your loss of your beautiful Alison. I read of your decision to list her cause of death in my local newspaper the Missoulian and I agree with you totally. If this can save others from your heartache, how could anyone disagree? She sounds like a wonderful young lady who's life was cut short before she could reach her potential. My prayers are with you all. I hope you find peace. Lorraine in Montana
the family of John Barrett Jr
September 7, 2015
My 41 year old brother died from a heroin overdose 3 days ago. God bless your courage to call attention to this raging epidemic. Our family extends our love and prayers for your healing.
Claire Cox
September 7, 2015
May your sweet baby rest in peace. God Bless you and your family.
Cindy Sabattis
September 7, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeanna Grammer
September 7, 2015
I just read your story in The Tuscaloosa News, Tuscaloosa,Alabama. First of all I send my sympathy in the passing of your precious daughter. We know all to well about addictions. Our son also has addictions with alcohol and marijuana use. I admire your family speaking out, as hard as it is please continue this message for the memory of Alison but all the teens across the U.S., you may save a child. I am in my 50's and it seems to me this is an epidemic among teens and it seems this is the new norm.We never taught our precious son this behavior because we don't do theses things it's quite easy to become addictive when once again it's the norm. I pray for you & your family. Jeanna Grammer, Tuscaloosa,Alabama
September 7, 2015
Although I never got the pleasure of meeting Alison or her family, I am one who survived this addiction and realized the pain and suffering I caused others.
Punishment is not the answer.
Love, kindness, patient and being real is more the answer for all affected.
The Shuemakes are courageous people in their honesty and very real love for Alison.
I am clean and sober for 32 years and can truly say, "I understand".
Peace
Victoria McFadden
September 7, 2015
There is nothing that will fill the void left in your family and in your hearts by the absence of your precious daughter and your hopes and dreams for her but the love and support given to you by others will help to comfort you and make you feel less alone.
Please know that you have my love, support, and my admiration for your couratpoge and bravery in helping others at this time, along with so many others. You are not alone.
Sincerely,
Michele
September 7, 2015
I read about your daughters obituary on a social media site here in NYS. I am so sorry for your loss. My family has also been impacted by this terrible disease and it is a battle that many in my area struggle with. I commend your bravery while bringing awareness to the facts of this deadly drug and the grips of addiction it has on our youth today. I pray for comfort and serenity for your family. May your daughter rest in peace.
Andy Frisby
September 7, 2015
Fred and Family
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in your memories of the time you had with your daughter and peace in knowing that one day you will all be together again.
tracey reed
September 7, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss
September 7, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Alison or your family but I do know what it is like to watch your beautiful child struggle with this horrific disease. I will keep you & your family in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for advocating for this terrible epidemic. Together we are stronger.
Beth Kennedy
September 7, 2015
I cannot imagine your pain and I applaud your bravery in posting an honest, heartwrenching tribute to your daughter.
September 7, 2015
Praying for peace and acceptance for this family. Alison's eyes have such soulful beauty. I know you must miss her with each painful breath that you take. As a mother of young teenage boys, I am deeply grateful for your bravery and honesty in calling out the hideous murderer that lurks in the shadows of so, so many lives. I know that your courage will save someone's life today. May Jehovah hold you close, offering comfort and relief from your pain.
Heather
September 7, 2015
Very Sorry for your loss. As a mother, thank you for your honesty. We all do our best but it truly does take a village to raise a child. Your honesty has made you part of my village. Thank you.
- Heather
September 7, 2015
You are incredibly brave parents. Your fearlessness when dealing with addiction will no doubt help other parents and families abolish the stigma that surrounds having a drug-abusing family member. I wish you and your family peace and healing.
Angela
September 7, 2015
My deepest condolences on the death of your daughter Alison. Your story has resonated with so many families like ours that lost a young person to a drug overdose. Thank you for your bravery and your quest to raise awareness of drug overdose.
Gayle Allyn
September 7, 2015
Praying for your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that others can seek help for this horrible epidemic. ❤
September 7, 2015
praying for the family in this time of sorrow ...from michigan
September 7, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss.
Alison was indeed beautiful.
Your decision to come forth regarding her heroine use is truly courageous.
May God comfort you and your family like only He can.
A Mom in Pittsburgh, PA
September 7, 2015
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. What a beautiful young lady gone to soon.
E B
September 7, 2015
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful daughter. It certainly proves that involved children with caring and loving parents do and can become involved with drugs. Alison is in heaven now and is thanking you for the thoughtful words you wrote about her. We are all praying for her and for you. Thank you for giving us a peek into the life of your dear child. She sounded like a priceless gem. God bless all of you.
Yvonne
September 7, 2015
Read about your daughter in a newspaper article published in California and felt compelled to let you know that your daughters life will touch many, more than you will ever imagine. May God bless and keep you. Your courage in telling her truth at such a time is admirable. She would be proud of you. Keep the faith and hold each other close as you move forward without her physical presence, knowing that as long as each of you remember her she lives.
tom risk
September 7, 2015
Alison lost a very courageous and loving family. And all of you will be in my prayers.
RIP little girl.
Tom Risk blaine mn.
Rita Ferrara
September 7, 2015
Dear Mr & Mrs Schuemake, I share your devastation & pain. My beautiful 22 year old son & only child died last year from an ecstasy overdose. The year before he was in rehab for heroin addiction. I miss him every day & every moment. If I can be of any help please contact me.
Angela Clark
September 7, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss.
L M
September 7, 2015
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers with the loss of your beautiful daughter.
Jonathan Santos
September 7, 2015
Sorry for your lost.
September 7, 2015
I do not know you, but I am deeply sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing so much of her with us here, you have honored her beautifully.
Donald
September 7, 2015
Sorry for your loss. From just a retired Navy veteran.
September 6, 2015
I can't imagine the pain of your loss. Alison was far too young, but she must have lived a full life with the love her family so clearly had for her. Your bravery to give the full picture about Alison's passing is incredibly honorable. Thank you for working to address the stigma of addiction even in the time of your mourning. Prayers and love from Toronto, Canada.
Misty
September 6, 2015
may your family find peace during this time of sorrow, and that someone else's life may be saved by Allisons story
L. P.
September 6, 2015
So srry to read the loss of your young daughter.I can't imagine what your going through. God bless you and your family &may she rest in peace.
Kathleen DiGregorio
September 6, 2015
I am sorry your family lost your beautiful girl - hope your courage will give you all comfort - Psalms 34:18
September 6, 2015
As a father I have been living with this fatal fear for 15 years now. I have never met something this evil. God bless you. BBB
Susan Glenn
September 6, 2015
Alison, your light might have been extinguished, but your parents aren't letting this be in vain. To anyone reading this who might be struggling with heroin or any other horribly dangerous addiction...look up at that young face. All that "sparkle", that light, that HOPE...is gone from this Earth. That needle can take everything you have, and YOU. Your families need you, they love you, and there is NOTHING that can bring Alison or you back. Is it worth it? No. The WORLD needs you.
Debbie
September 6, 2015
My sincere condolences go out to your family. I read the article on NBC news and it sent chills through my body. Our daughter, who is now in her late 20's battled a heroin addiction throughout her teen years. She too is a hairdresser and we live in another state in a town called "Middletown". Our story had a much different ending than yours but as a mother of an addict, I say thank you for telling Alison's story. Heroin addiction is overtaking our youth and the tragic death of your daughter and her story may save the life of one child. I have no words that will soften your loss; I am to far away to give you a hug but please know that a mother from East Coast is shedding tears for your family and praying for all of you to find a way to overcome this unimaginable grief. In our thoughts....
Robin Coots
September 6, 2015
I am so, so sorry. God bless you and your family for recognizing there is no shame, only loss and for helping to raise awareness of this epidemic. Rest in peace now, Alison.
Stacci Barganz
September 6, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss, and I admire you for your honesty about the cause - let's hope and pray that honesty keeps another young adult from suffering the same fate! -SB in WI
Kristy
September 6, 2015
I'm so very sorry for loss. My son is 24, a heroin addict and this is my greatest fear. His greatest fear is that we are ashamed of him and there is no shame whatsover. It is a sickness and can creep into anybody's life. When we discovered my son's addiction he was holding down a job and a 3.2 GPA studying at Ohio State. Certainly not society's perception of an addict. There is no shame in your daughter's sickness or her untimely death. My heart breaks for you
Alison
September 6, 2015
I was drawn to your story simply because it was so courageous and powerful for you and your family to call out the very thing that took such a young and beautiful girl out of this momentary place we live in called earth. This vile and wicked thing is robbing us of our loved ones.
I was also drawn to the story because we share the same name, same spelling, live in the same state. I pray for your comfort, peace and strength, as well as the reassurance to know that she is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus. She's fully protected now. You will be reunited with her again.
Melanie Evans
September 6, 2015
I'm so sorry that heroin took your little girl from you. It also took my father from me. I wish you much strength while your mourn the loss of your baby.
Yolanda Emodogo
September 6, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter. Your courage during this time is remarkable. May God bless and keep your family.!!
September 6, 2015
Prayers for you and your family the pain i can only imagine. Thank you for having the strength to share your story with the world. Your love for Alison truly shows in your willingness to help bring this issue into the light. Peace DB
H.L. McCray
September 6, 2015
May the Lord keep you in your time sorrow. Thank you for your courage
September 6, 2015
Please accept my prayers and condolences on the loss of your bright sparkling daughter. I will keep your brave family in my prayers.
September 6, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the sorrow you must be overcome with. Heroin is destroying so many families and its everywhere. No family is exempt from its devastating effects. Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Clark
September 6, 2015
I am so sorry for your family's loss of Alison. We loss a son at 23 from cancer and I can earnestly say that I believe it doesn't matter what was the circumstance that resulted in death...it's overwhelming, it's shocking, it's painful, it's a difficult journey to go through and the memories both good and bad flood the mind and strum the pain that's in your heart. God's grace and mercy is a remarkable gift and a comfort. May your family reap the sweet fruit from your precious Alison's tree of life. Look for the fruit.
Mary Meyer
September 6, 2015
Thank You for Your obit about your Daughter. I am very sorry for your loss. America needs to wake up addiction is a disease and it had no cure ,only remission. People who are brave and honest as you,will force people to see and help the ones who suffer the disease of addiction.I do not know your family ,but my heart aches for you . I know the disease of addiction too well,and have lost so many friends and family.
September 6, 2015
I applaud your courage and offer my sincere condolences for your loss. RIP
September 6, 2015
We are so very sorry for the loss of your daughter. The decision to share your grief and sorrow WILL make the difference to a troubled life that has turned on a computer and read your story this week. Be assured that lovely Alison is now in so many hearts, and hearts do listen.
Marie
September 6, 2015
My prayers are with your family over the loss of your baby girl. I do not know you but I am a parent and I can understand the undying love for a child. Thank you for your bravery in revealing the cause of her death. You have no doubt helped to prevent another from the same tragedy. God Bless.
Carey Hoffman
September 6, 2015
May knowing that your choice to share Alison's story in hopes of helping others also bring your family the beginnings of healing. God bless your daughter and all of your family.
September 6, 2015
Read the article about your loss and your courageous conviction in including the cause of her passing. Made me cry and thought about the perils of this epidemic. I am a nurse and I see this situation on a daily basis, young people that survived but hangs on to life through ventilators and feeding tubes, grieving families that I console every time they see their children almost lifeless for years and years. May Alison find peace over yonder. Prayers to you parents...
Respectfully Yours,
Ricky
Amy M
September 6, 2015
So sorry about the loss of your daughter. My daughter is eight and I would love to keep her this age ...heroin is everywhere. Thank you for your bravery...it can only help.
The Tinnell's
September 6, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. This rings very close to my heart. I lost my best friend of 16 years to heroin last year. I do not know your family or friends, but I hope that you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. You are very brave for the courage you have shown in the fight against heroin. May loving arms come readily and swiftly to you all.
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