Welcome,
I'm Cindy Demaio, the mother of Rachel and the founder of Rachel's Angels. Rachel passed away in my arms from fatal carfentanil toxicity poisoning on October 28, 2016. It has been an impossible struggle for me as a mother to understand and accept this unimaginable reality. I refuse to let Rachel's story end. Her story will continue and it will help prevent drug-related deaths among youth in our community.
Rachel's legacy continues through the work of Rachel's Angels. Our group of parents and students are spreading the word about the deadly reality of drugs among pre-teens, teens, and parents throughout the Akron, Ohio area. We conduct presentations and educational sessions at schools, clubs, and other organizations in hopes of having a profound impact on a child's decision when he/she is faced with drug experimentation. We are also active in community events throughout the Akron area.
Presentations are led by our “Angels"—students who love her and are committed to teaching her story to help prevent other children from getting involved in the deadly epidemic. Their stories are emotional, raw, and have a deep and profound impact on all in attendance.
If I had been more educated about the epidemic, Rachel would be alive today. I was unaware that only 25 particles of carfentanil (oftentimes sprinkled on heroin, cocaine, and marijuana) is deadly. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, making it among the most potent commercially used opioids.
Acknowledging a problem exists is the first step to solving it. Finding help is the logical next step, however, it is very difficult (if not almost impossible)—particularly for a child under the age of 18. I was given a four-page document by our local children's hospital which listed resources and agencies to contact for help. Unfortunately, only one out of 100 would have been able to provide the assistance we needed, but by the time they returned my call, it was already too late.
As parents, we must talk, talk, TALK about this tragic epidemic which knows no boundaries.
Together we can make an impact by saving our youth.
Peace,
Cindy DeMaio
Governance
Cindy DeMaio, President and Founder