My name is Dawn Bova. I lost my beautiful boy Bradley. I’ve been involved with the recovery community for years but when Bradley’s addiction hit our home we felt as if we were foreigners in our own county. No one spoke the language of addiction …especially opioids (and ultimately heroin/fentanyl). He tried on numerous occasions to quit, detoxing at home, 30 day inpatient, and finally he left our home in Ohio to find help in Florida.
I became an advocate to reduce stigma, shame, and promote recovery before he died and was optimistic about him joining me. What I’ve discovered is a broken system where people don’t matter and money dictates how this epidemic is addressed. Brad was doing fantastic and when my insurance ran out he told me he wasn’t ready and wanted to go to a sober living halfway. He died in that horrific place 3 weeks later along with others. My resolve to help others is even more pressing.
We moved to my hometown (Bellevue Ohio) when our children were small. We thought rural Ohio would be a safe place to raise children and provide family support unlike the city. I did not realize the impact this epidemic would have on my home town. We are overwhelmed with overdoses many resulting in death. My small community hospital sees overdoses almost daily in a town of 8,000.
As a nurse practitioner I have the power to make a difference, and I’m determined to try. I’m involved with an organization called OhioCAN (Change Addiction Now). My county chapter has passed out over 500 blessing bags to those impacted by addiction because we care.
We’ve sponsored eduction to local businesses to educate about the DISEASE of addiction. I’ve learned that many believe incarceration is a part of the problem..not a part of the solution. Long term…safe treatment is needed to match the changes that we now know occur in the brain. I’ve learned to have leather thick skin. I’ve been told my son chose to stick the needle in his arm so he got what was coming, I’ve been told…it’s natural selection. I’ve been told he didn’t want it bad enough. When I posted on our local community page about Narcan…I was attacked (over 500 comments) with hurtful hateful comments. Changing the opinions of this community has been a struggle, even when I present research and facts.
I will continue to be the voice for my boy…and all those still struggling with this horrific epidemic that is stealing so many children of their parents and so many parents of their children.
Story by Dawn Bova
5 replies on “Bradley Bova”
I’m so sorry for your loss and every word of this is so real to me. We are so lucky to have you. Brad was always full life that is definitely a true statement and Heroin is a very hard addiction. Like I’ve told people out there. Some like to choose alcohol some like cigarettes and unfortunately some go for the other stuff and noone can tell us why but if you ask an alcoholic to stop drinking cold turkey or a smoker to stop smoking today they couldn’t. It’s the same thing and yes I know its illegal but it’s out there and it was what they got exposed to.If you are ever looking for anyone to help you in your practice / mission I would gladly join you!Your doing a great job Dawn ❤you!
Thankyou for sharing your storie❤️❤️
Beautifully said Dawn.
Keep doing what you do. I have always wanted to do something in memory of my son’ and to help my community be aware, but I don’t know where or how to even start, my son Garrett passed away on February 20 2014 from a overdose of fetynal and other opiates. I am inspired by your story unfortunately it comes from something so horrific losing your son. So yes keep on your journey and if you change one life it is worth it.
My heart is expanded by your story Dawn. Addiction hits close to home and the struggle and heartache is real. We loose our children and experience grief during the struggle. We loose our loved ones to the disease not jus in death, but in their struggle. A supportive community and family is so important and needed more than ever as families try to deal with this struggle.