In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into the poignant story behind “Song for Charlie.” Ed and Mary Ternan deeply value the song, but its origin is rooted in profound loss. Their son Charlie, believing he was purchasing Percocet on Snapchat, was tragically misled and consumed a counterfeit pill laced with deadly fentanyl.
Listen as Ed recounts the events surrounding Charlie’s untimely passing, his fervent message to others, and how his non-profit, Song for Charlie, is working diligently with social media platforms to try to curtail the online distribution of deadly pills.
To further understand the efforts to address substance use disorder and its effects, please learn more about Emily’s Hope and our innovative K-5 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum.
MEET THE GUEST
Ed Ternan
After losing their son Charlie in May 2020 to a fatal overdose involving counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, Ed and Mary Ternan founded Song for Charlie. Their mission centers on raising awareness among young adults, parents, and educators about the dangers of counterfeit pills and reducing the demand for prescription medications by promoting healthier stress management alternatives. They are committed to dispelling misinformation about the fentanyl epidemic and delivering fact-based resources in an easily understandable manner to empower young individuals.
