Troylana Manson places Aaron's photo on the tree (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

MOMS STOP THE HARM

‘Gone Too Soon’ memorial tree pays tribute to those lost to substance use

Dec 12, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The latest figures from the BC Coroners Service show 67 deaths due to illicit drugs in Kamloops so far in 2023, including five in the month of October alone.

Despite that, Kamloops is on pace to lose fewer lives due to toxic drugs than the 92 fatalities suffered during its deadliest year in 2022.

With the overdose crisis now into it’s eighth year, nearly everybody has been, or knows, someone affected by substance use.

In Kamloops, Moms Stop the Harm, and in particular, their healing hearts grief support group, has put up the ‘Gone Too Soon’ memorial tree in Sahali Mall. The tree is adorned with the images of sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and parents who have fallen victim to the overdose crisis.

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“I do hope that people have a look, they may recognize somebody, or they know of somebody that has passed in the last year or more, and they can go through the different balls and see if they can find their loved ones here. And if it happens for them, I’m hoping they can have a moment of good memories, thinking of that person,” said Troylana Manson.

The act of placing a photo on the memorial is one of healing for many of the family members. For Manson, who lost her son Aaron back in 2021, with each passing year, it becomes slightly easier for her to place her son on the tree.

“I do know that that first year was really a struggle. It just seemed so surreal at the time and to be with other people that are in the same boat as me, but realizing that other people are in that same boat as you is healing,” said Manson. “Last year, it was just a little bit easier, this year I didn’t even put the ball on the tree, my sister did. And so it’s taking turns with our family in approaching that healing.”