Terry Olsen: Prevailing over the landslide of loss - Son’s accidental overdose leads to running CHANGES, supporting parents & families in crisis

In the summer of 2014, Terry's life was forever changed when her only son Dane passed away from an accidental drug overdose. Terry shares about Dane's serious injury that led to him being prescribed pain meds, and how this led to his eventual addiction. We hear Terry's perspective as a parent trying to help her adult child through addiction, giving him love and support, and what she has learned through her experiences. 

 

After months of grief Terry began looking for ways her family's story could make a positive difference for others facing similar challenges. It has become her commitment to raise awareness and be a part of the solution to the current "opidemic" in our country while helping families in crisis. In 2017 Terry began leading the Utah chapter of CHANGES, a parent support group/network, and is grateful for the tools and support it gives families. 

 

Terry is a wife, mother of a blended family of three daughters, one son (Dane), and a grandmother. She is has enjoyed a successful career as an interior designer which has been a passion throughout her life. She also serves on the board of The Sobriety Foundation and WOW Women of Worth. 

 

Thank you so much, Terry, for sharing your touching story with us, for helping us learn more about this topic that affects so many, and for all the amazing work you are doing to help families affected by addiction. 

 

Find CHANGES online at cpsn.org (CHANGES Parent Support Network). 

Find Terry on Facebook Terry Ann Olsen and her blog/Facebook page Much love from Dane's mom in Utah. 

Contact Terry at changesutah@gmail.com .