At the age of 12, my son developed a hip disease called Legg-Perthes. He ended up with numerous surgeries and hospital stays at the Minneapolis Shriners Hospital throughout his teen years. By the time Jason was 18, he was doing fairly well and had several years where he could endure the discomfort. When he turned 27, the pain became too unbearable and had another surgery at the Mayo clinic. They said his hip was full of arthritis and said they had to wait one year before giving him a replacement because of his young age. In the mean time, his family doctor prescribed Percocet and then Vicodin. After those quit working, on May 21, 2008, he was given a prescription for Methadone. He was suppose to take two 10 mg tablets four times a day. She prescribed 222 tablets. On May 23, 2008, he failed to get up for work. His boss stopped over at his dad's house that afternoon (Jason lived in an apartment below his dad's home) and said he never called in to work. Jason's dad and boss went to his room and found him dead in bed. The medics worked on him for 30 minutes but never got a pulse. His dad said he had checked on him 15 minutes previously but heard him snoring so he let him sleep. How familiar does this sound? Afterward, we checked his prescription bottle and the correct dose was missing, so he did not overdose, his body just could not metabolize this drug. His death was so senseless!

My dear son just finished all his course work and tests for his Ph.D. He received a big promotion at work and was so excited about his new job. He had been seeing a woman for the past three weeks who he thought was wonderful. His future was looking so bright. His medical records documented that the doctor told Jason to call her around the beginning of June and let her know how he was doing. This was May 21st! Where was the aftercare and follow up during those first critical days? After eight weeks, we received his death certificate that stated the cause of death was "Methadone Toxicity."

My life, as well as others', has forever changed. Jason went to school for 10 years after high school to get his Ph.D. and was so looking forward to walking across the stage to receive his diploma. Jason didn't get to do this because his doctor so recklessly prescribed this drug. We must all stand together to fight for our loved ones by becoming active in HARMD!

Jason, I will love you forever!
Mom