Support River City Harm Redux: In Sarah Thaw’s Honor

February 14th marks one year since the heartbreaking passing of my older sister and best friend, Sarah Thaw (age 28).

Growing up, Sarah was a passionate straight-A student, an overachiever with big dreams. She had unlimited potential but unfortunately ended up suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Addiction is a terrifying, heartbreaking disease, and it hurts beyond words to witness a loved one experience it. Sarah was the most kindhearted, empathetic, and one-of-a-kind person who impacted the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. Her silly, outgoing personality truly lit up every room she entered. She is deeply, deeply missed by so many friends and family.

Sarah tragically lost her life due to a fentanyl overdose last February.

Sarah was visiting L.A., a long way from her home and family on the East Coast, when she passed. She had been struggling with addiction for many years prior, and the disease proved too difficult to combat. Post overdose, Sarah was left by the dealer she was with, bruised and unconscious, and all alone in a hotel room with all of her belongings gone. When she was found, she was then transported to a local hospital and put on life support. My family was then contacted with the news. I remember the moment my father called me to tell me what had happened. I asked, “What chance of survival does she have?” My father, who usually sugarcoats the truth, said, “0%,” and I immediately fell to the floor sobbing harder than I ever have. Her health was already in poor condition due to her disease, and she simply couldn’t survive the overdose. My family flew out to L.A. to say goodbye to her lifeless body before she was taken off life support. It all still feels so unreal, and it is unbelievable that a whole year has passed.

Although addiction has many stigmas, it is important to understand that it is a disease. It is not a character flaw. It is not a choice. No one deserves to go through the pain addiction inflicts. I don’t want anyone to have to say goodbye to their loved one the way my family and I did. The earth-shattering pain and ache of losing my sister way too soon will never go away, but I am hoping I can use her story to help reduce this pain for others. I know it would make Sarah proud if a change was made in her honor. She had a giant heart, extremely sensitive and empathetic, and was always yearning to help those in need.

It would be so greatly appreciated if you could donate and help those struggling with addiction in Sarah’s name. Addiction-related deaths can be minimized with sufficient harm reduction work. All proceeds donated in Sarah’s name will go to an amazing organization called River City Harm Redux. River City Harm Redux is a mutual-aid based and community-run drug harm reduction organization that does community outreach across Richmond, supplying people with necessary supplies to help reduce drug-related harm. They center the voices of those who use drugs, and with your support, they can keep making a difference in the lives of those who currently live with similar struggles and pain that my sister endured.