In Wichita, families gather at a billboard vigil to remember loved ones lost to fentanyl, creating a powerful message of awareness and support.

The atmosphere was heavy yet filled with moments of laughter, a bittersweet mix. Mariah Ball, who organized the vigil, shared her story. She lost her son, Lucca, when he accidentally took a pill at just one year old.
Sixteen faces are displayed, representing not just those lost but the countless others affected by drug use. Teresa Coppola, who lost her son Logan to fentanyl at 20, expressed her frustration. “Our kids should not have to die for dumb mistakes,” she said, emphasizing the need for change.
Candles in hand, the group felt a connection to the faces above them. They’ve formed a bond through their shared experiences. Michelle Dreiling, who lost her daughter Morrigan at 20 after a mix-up with medication, said, “She would be proud of this.”
Despite their pain, the support from family and friends means everything. Coppola reflected on her son, saying he was a wonderful man. The vigil offers solace, but it also highlights the reality of their losses.
Dreiling pointed out that many think drug issues don’t affect them, but they do. “We can use our tragedy to help others,” she said, stressing the importance of awareness.
The group is determined to spread their message, looking forward and up. Coppola expressed pride in her son’s legacy, noting he always stood up for what he believed in. They hope to break the stigma surrounding drug dangers, showing it can impact anyone, regardless of age.