Kayla M. Crowell

Submitted by: Diana
Born: 1992
Died: 2015
My Tribute: Our daughter, Kayla, lost her battle with heroin addiction on 1-22-15. Kayla’s story is by no means a unique one. From an average, middle income, suburban, family she could be anyones daughter, she could be your own. Kayla didn’t chose to be an addict. However, a “friend” of hers (for over 10 years) brought her into the environment through his own addiction,. He helped Kayla to try Heroin, by injecting our needle terrified daughter, and she became so addicted she couldn’t escape it. The downward spiral began.
It took 3 years of hell on her and her family but she had finally found sobriety last October, cold turkey, in a cold jail cell on her own. She came out changed, almost scarred, but with a determination to get help and recover. She loved the intensive, outpatient rehab and was devastated when, three short weeks in, she had to leave for a sober living home when insurance funds ran out. She wanted with every fiber in her being to be clean! She was excited that she was soon to embark on a new & sober life. Excited to be mending relationships and the damage caused in the heat of her addiction. Kayla was a changed girl and I was so proud of her progress. Then, one bad day, one weak moment, 83 days in to her recovery and our beautiful 22 year old daughter was gone forever.
Despite losing her battle, she is MY hero. She was and is stronger, braver than I could ever dream to be. Oh the things she endured, her stories…. broke me. Kayla had a kindness for everyone, no matter their situation and wanted more than anything to be able to counsel others. To this day I continue to hear from people she met along her path, those she helped and many more she touched forever.