STAT

In one night, she lost two sons to opioids. She’s on a mission to spare others that unfathomable pain

Becky Savage, a nurse in Indiana, lost her sons Nick and Jack to opioids in a single night. She's on a mission now to prevent more such tragedies.

GRANGER, Ind. — Becky Savage always starts her talks to students and parents the same way. She shows them pictures of her teenage sons, Nick and Jack, who loved hockey, Taco Bell, and late-night hangouts.

Then, she tells them what happened on June 14, 2015.

Savage was picking up dirty clothes from 18-year-old Jack’s room that Sunday morning. He was sleeping in after a night of graduation parties with Nick and other friends. Jack didn’t respond as she picked up his laundry. She shook him, but he didn’t wake up. She knew to check his pulse — she’s a nurse. He didn’t have one. She started CPR on her son and shouted for help.

She heard sirens wail down their street. She

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About Lilly’s Zepbound For Sleep Apnea, The FDA Budget, And More
Eli Lilly reported positive results for Zepbound in obstructive sleep apnea, giving the medication a new edge in the highly competitive obesity market.
STAT1 min read
STAT+: In Large Trial, Guardant Health’s Blood Test Detects Colon Cancer, But Less Reliably At Earliest Or Precancerous Stages
If approved, Guardant Health’s liquid biopsy is likely to be a strong new addition to colorectal cancer screening tools, particularly for patients who currently choose not to get screened.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About An OptumRx Contract, 340B Dispute Resolution, And More
Cardinal Health announced its pharmaceutical distribution contracts with UnitedHealth's OptumRx unit will not be renewed after they expire in June.

Related Books & Audiobooks