Save our Somerville (SOS) united with local
supporters in a vigil to reflect on the loss of Somerville residents
who lost battles to depression, drugs, and violence.

"Tough
times call for tough people," said Matt McLaughlin, SOS founder, in a
call to action urging the community to be more proactive in finding
solutions for the drug addictions and deaths impacting the city.

McLaughlin
addressed the "Somerville slump," a stance when youth realize that
dreams of starring in competitive sports is not as easy as expected,
when jobs seem more competitive to attain, and when a college degree
does not guarantee success. At this realization, many turn to drugs as
a medium of escape.

"We have lost friends to drugs and not
only physically," said Anna Rodriguez in a reflective reading about her
personal encounter with substance abuse. Rodriguez narrated how at some
point drinking and drugs defined the Somerville youth lifestyle.

Half
a dozen tables from Cambridge Health Alliance and other supporters
containing brochures and contact information for residents seeking drug
rehabilitation or help coping with loss were displayed throughout the
ceremony.

A series of residents read letters and poems to
deliver their story, their loss, and their tragedy. "I'm filled with a
shattered heart…hoping to heal," said Renae Lister mourning the loss
of friends but stating her desire for a better future.

"Remembering
the past to change the future" themed the event- a banner with this
slogan was spread out for anyone who wanted to write a message to a
lost one and T-shirts with the same statement were offered for free.

Sandra
Milton fought back tears remembering her son Stephen Pacheco who
accidentally overdosed last August and the difficulties he encountered
trying to get medical help. "It's not easy to get help for heroin
addicts," said Milton. Friends and family of Pacheco wore black shirts
in his remembrance, in the back, his last name served as an acronym for
the cause: Public Awareness Can Help Every Child Overcome.

Among
the speakers, Leon David categorized loss as a common denominator
between residents but labeled SOS as the "collective voice and shaker"
of Somerville.

McLaughlin encouraged the community to
accompany him June 10 to the State House to advocate fund increases for
rehabilitation centers. "In the struggle we find purpose in our lives,"
said McLaughlin.