In Memory of our founder, Deborah D. Shrira

I don't even know where to start. I was at my wits end and was reaching out to every methadone advocate I could find online and Deborah was the first one, and one of only 2 of the 10 or so I contacted, who actually contacted me back. And it was within 24 hours. She spent time talking to me and walking me through the trial I was going through and I ended up with a very sweet friend.

That was about 4 years ago and she has been such a dear friend to me ever since. It saddens me to hear of her passing because she was a very caring and trusting soul. Many times people would take advantage of her caring and sensitivity and while someone like me would have probably stopped trying to help people or reach out to people because of the ones who DID take advantage, she never did. Next thing I know she would be right back to telling me about the latest person she talked to or heard from that was needing her help and/or assistance and she was right there trying to help them.

No words could adequately give tribute to her. She never looked at the mistakes a person made and judged them by those mistakes, she was always willing to find the best in everyone. And she would be the first to tell you of her imperfections especially if she thought it might make you feel better about yours!

I never got the chance to meet her in person and over the past year I hadn't been in touch with her as much as I use to be, but it still is a major loss and will leave a void in my life and the life of so many other people that she touched.

Not to mention the methadone advocacy groups have lost a very valuable and valiant soldier in the fight for the rights and fair treatment of methadone patients. Someone who believed in empowering patients all over the world through knowledge and information about methadone and methadone treatment. LITERALLY, all over the world!

I will miss you so much Deb and I know that so many others out there will be sad to hear of your passing as well.