In a heartfelt effort to combat the growing counterfeit fentanyl crisis, a group of mothers from Memphis and North Mississippi have unveiled a new billboard campaign titled “They Thought They Had Tomorrow.” The billboards, featuring photos of local youths who died from overdose, now line major Memphis thoroughfares such as Poplar Avenue, Lamar Avenue and North Cleveland Street.
Personal tragedies become public warnings
Kelly Presley, whose son Peyton Moore died in 2021 after a counterfeit blue pill laced with fentanyl was mistaken for a prescription Percocet, said the campaign is a way to “mend” her broken heart. Presley explained that Peyton, a former Justin Bieber look‑alike contest winner, had survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a hip replacement before falling victim to a lethal dose of fentanyl—43 nanograms, enough to kill 21 people, according to her.
Wendi Shoffner, another campaign leader, described the illicit substances as “monster death drugs” and urged parents to protect their families. “When his heart stopped, a little tear dripped down his face, and I kissed it,” Shoffner recalled of her son Joshua Smith, who died in 2016.
Other families share their loss
Heather Marshall lost her 21‑year‑old daughter Emily Johnson and Emily’s boyfriend in August 2024 after Emily bought what she believed was Xanax on 3rd Street, only to ingest fentanyl. Tracy Waaraniemi recounted her daughter Valerie McClure’s death in February 2024, where testing revealed fentanyl mixed with cocaine.
Collaboration with Dan’s Legacy of Love
The billboard effort is partnered with Dan’s Legacy of Love, a Michigan nonprofit founded by Malinda Oshida to honor her uncle Dan, who died from an overdose of non‑prescribed medication. Oshida emphasized that addiction “has no boundaries” and that the campaign aims to get young people to think before they act.
Advocates stress that the fentanyl epidemic is a “red, white, and blue issue” affecting every family. Their core message to youth is simple: do not ingest any pill or substance unless it comes from a licensed pharmacy with your name on the bottle.
Public‑health context
The Drug Enforcement Administration reports roughly 250,000 American deaths from fentanyl and synthetic opioid overdoses since 2021. Authorities warn that illicit fentanyl is often disguised as harmless prescription pills or mixed into other street drugs, making it especially dangerous for unsuspecting users.
By placing these warnings directly on Memphis streets, the mothers hope to educate the community, save lives, and prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
