Our Mission
The mission of our group, Squash the Secret, is to Bring Awareness among the parents in our community regarding the hidden dangers of heroin/opiate abuse, knowing the visual as well as the subtle signs, the imminent threat to themselves, their family, friends and our society.
Another aspect of our mission is Education in order to save lives, so that our children and loved ones are not taken from us by surprise. To teach and educate that Addiction is a Disease and it should never go unnoticed.
The ultimate result will be Prevention so that another life is not lost or harmed, our children are able to live a fulfilling life, and to keep the disease contained to the fullest extent possible.
Our Advocates
Susan D’Ambrosio
My goal for this new program is all about prevention- helping parents and their kids be informed of the dangers of drug use. I have a published book titled Why My Son in 2011 which shows how a beautiful life was taken by this horrible disease of drug addiction.
I have spoken at a retreat, an outpatient rehab center, and Williamstown High School. I will continue to speak at schools as i am determined to help eliminate drug abuse. I proudly lobbied for the Good Samaritan Law in my town of Voorhees, which was signed into law by NJ Governor Chris Christie. The Good Samaritan Law is in effect and saving lives.”
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Vivian Bush
More recently, Justin who was like my stepson, became addicted to Oxycontin and Percocet his freshman year of college, unbeknownst to our family. It was later discovered upon his demise that he was addicted to snorting heroin for a year and a half prior to his death. I am very aware of the frustration and challenges of rehabilitation and the destruction that occurs within the family unit.
The focus, in my opinion, should be on the prevention and the awareness that is desperately required in order to bring about any meaningful assistance to halt this epidemic.”
Gregg B. Wolfe
Justin had difficulties when he reached college, due to his behavior. His grades were good, but we could not understand why he was exhibiting aberrant behavior during his freshman year of college. I was informed in 2012 that my son had become addicted to Percocet and later learned, upon his demise, that he was addicted to heroin for at least a year and a half prior, which began with Percocet and Oxycontin abuse.
It is my goal and intention to forge ahead to bring awareness, education, and prevention of opiate abuse to our community. I had testified before a Congressional Subcommittee in 2013 regarding changing the HIPAA laws for mental disorders and addiction in hopes of raising even greater awareness and advocating for parents of drug-addicted children across the country.”
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