 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Tom Hamilton has lots of photographs and memories. His oldest daughter, Melissa, had an infectious smile and was a cheerleader for Central Dauphin and the Big 33. His oldest son, Phillip, was the funny one who kept an eye on younger sister Nina.
"Phillip was always very fun and caring and always protective," Nina said. "I always felt safe. He'd never let anything happen to me."
But Phillip wasn't so protective of himself. In 2004, while partying with friends, Phillip overdosed on Xanax and heroin. He was 25.
Less than 2 years later, Melissa suffered the same fate at 28.
"She said I need this to wake up in the morning - to get through my day," Nina said. "She needed it and that's what heroin does to you."
Through his tears and grief, Tom started Saving Angels, a non-profit dedicated to educating kids and parents about the dangers of drugs. "Kids gotta understand that they're harming more than themselves," he said. "It involves parents, other friends, involves all their relatives."
Norma Purcell understands. Her oldest son is a recovering heroin addict. She works for Saving Angels by going into schools and talking to kids. But she says parents also need a lesson in drugs. "It's in the community. It's right in our face. It could be in your house tomorrow. Don't wait until it comes into your house. Go and educate yourself on what to look for."
Phillip and Melissa both overdosed in Cumberland County and coroner Mike Norris delivered the terrible news to Tom Hamilton - twice. Norris says his office has been overwhelmed by overdoses in the past three years. "There are a whole lot of parents and grandparents who went through the 60's," he said. "There were a lot of drugs out there then and they're saying, ' they never killed me they didn't hurt me.' "
Tom Hamilton now knows better. He couldn't save two of his angels, but he's driven by the hope that he might save yours.
For more information on Saving Angels, visit their Web site, www.savingangels1.com.
abc27 News to leave comments on news stories.