At first glance, Kate Kerr seemed to have it all—a beautiful apartment, impeccable fashion sense, and was a nurturing mother who ensured her children were well cared for. However, behind this seemingly perfect exterior, a secret lay hidden, unknown even to her closest loved ones. Kate struggled with substance use disorder after a doctor prescribed her painkillers to recover from surgery. Unfortunately, that struggle took a deadly turn that her mother is still trying to piece together.
In this emotional episode of “Grieving Out Loud,” host Angela Kennecke sits down with Kate’s mother, Deborah Zwicker, as she shares her perspective on her daughter’s descent into addiction. Deborah opens up about the shock she experienced, as Kate’s appearance and responsibilities seemed to mask her hidden struggle. With relentless determination, Deborah seeks justice for her daughter’s tragedy and takes active steps toward preventing future tragedies caused by addiction. She wishes the person with her daughter when she overdosed would have immediately called 911 and taken advantage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
To submit a memorial for a loved one lost to overdose/fentanyl poisoning visit MoreThanJustANumber.org
MEET THE GUEST
Deborah Zwicker
Deborah Zwicker is a devoted mother of four, known for her unwavering commitment to her healthcare career. Unfortunately, she experienced the devastating impact of her daughter Kate’s battle with substance use disorder, resulting in a tragic loss due to fentanyl-laced cocaine.
In the aftermath of this heartrending event, Deborah has become a staunch advocate for addiction awareness, dedicating herself to preventing similar tragedies and fostering greater compassion in society’s approach to this pressing issue.
