Central Iowa family warns about dangers of fentanyl after losing son to overdose
Nearly a year after their son died of an accidental overdose, a central Iowa family is warning others about the dangers of fentanyl.
Deric and Kathy Kidd grieve the loss of their son, Sebastian, daily.
Sebastian died after taking half a pill he thought to be Percocet.
"It will be like this 10 years from now, It's surreal," Deric Kidd said. "All it takes is that one time. And it's not a matter of getting sick, or getting in trouble, or getting grounded. It's a matter of death."
The Kidd family is sharing Sebastian's story with the hope of saving other lives. They believe the goal can be accomplished by encouraging people to have those difficult conversations.
"If we can get rid of the stigma, we can start talking about it. And once you start talking about it and normalizing these conversations with our kids, the easier it is going to be," Kathy Kidd said.
They know if they can reach one person by talking about the son they lost to half a pill that contained fentanyl, it will help their healing process.
"That helps get me by knowing we are doing something in his name. We are trying to save lives," Deric Kidd said.
They are urging the conversation about drugs. It doesn't matter where: home, school or church. They want parents to have their eyes wide open to a problem that is everywhere.
"One bad moment, one bad choice, one bad day, and it could be anything, and it is all over," said Deric Kidd. "I would like parents to realize it could happen to absolutely anyone... anyone."
Deric and Kathy Kidd said July 30, the one-year anniversary of Sebastian's death, is a day they are trying not to think about. Deric told KCCI he would like to sleep through that day.
They are working on a website and foundation in his honor. They have been in contact with Sen. Chuck Grassley, who proposed a bill to help curb the epidemic.