Nicholas, the beloved son of Michelle and Jeff Loberg, tragically departed this world due to fentanyl poisoning. His passing inflicted immeasurable pain on his family, leaving them grappling with the profound loss of a young life. In his memory, the Loberg family embarked on a journey to Washington, D.C., with a resounding purpose – to raise awareness about the fentanyl crisis that claimed Nicholas and so many others.
Joined by their daughter, Emily, the Lobergs set out on a heartfelt mission. They understood that the fentanyl crisis was not just a statistic but an unrelenting wave of devastation sweeping across our nation. It was a crisis that transcended political affiliations, uniting families in grief regardless of their backgrounds.
In the heart of Washington, D.C., they participated in the 3rd Annual Lost Voices of Fentanyl Rally: The Dead Speak. Led by April Babcock, a mother who shares Michelle’s anguish, this event aimed to cast a glaring spotlight on the perilous crisis. April had lost her son Austen to fentanyl, similar to Michelle’s loss of Nicholas. In just three years, her movement had grown to include 30,000 members, an undeniable testament to the scale of the crisis. Fentanyl had become the leading cause of death for young Americans, an alarming reality demanding immediate attention.
Amidst powerful speeches and poignant moments at the rally, unity pervaded among the gathered groups. Michelle, an emblem of unity in this fight, emphasized the importance of standing together. Her words echoed her testimony at the Capitol: “United we stand… divided we fall.” This rallying cry resonated deeply because, in the face of the fentanyl crisis, unity was the only path forward.2020
The Lobergs’ presence in Washington, D.C., held profound significance. It symbolized their unwavering commitment to a cause that transcended boundaries and divisions. The statistics were staggering, with the DEA seizing over 379 million lethal doses of fentanyl in 2022 alone, merely a fraction of what remained undetected. Over 90 percent of illicit fentanyl in the U.S. originated in China, posing not only a public health crisis but also a grave national security threat.
The battle against fentanyl was a collective one, a message sent not only to Washington but also to Beijing. Families, friends, and neighbors refused to remain silent while their loved ones were stolen by this poison. United in their cause, they marched forward, determined to make their voices heard.
The Lobergs, Michelle, Jeff, and Emily were not just participants; they embodied resilience, advocates for change, and symbols of unity in the fight against fentanyl. Their presence in Washington, D.C., signified that this was a battle that could not be ignored. It was a testament to the human cost of the fentanyl crisis, a cost they experienced firsthand.
In the face of profound loss, the Loberg family remains determined to honor Nicholas’s memory and continue advocating for change. Their journey to Washington and their participation in the Lost Voices of Fentanyl Rally showcased their resilience and commitment to a fentanyl-free future for all.
This blog post, a tribute to Nicholas’s memory and the Loberg family’s unwavering dedication, serves as a reminder that the fentanyl crisis is a battle we must all engage in. Together, as a united front, we can make a difference and save lives.
