In April 2025, a new day of recognition will emerge: National Fentanyl Bereaved Siblings Day, observed annually on April 3rd. This day has been established to honor the siblings who have lost a brother or sister to fentanyl poisoning—a tribute to their grief, resilience, and enduring love.
The creation of this day is deeply personal for Erin Rachwal and Tracy Norris, two mothers whose lives were forever changed by the fentanyl crisis. Both women have seen not only the devastating loss of their sons but also the often-overlooked pain their surviving children carry.
Erin Rachwal, co-founder of the Love, Logan Foundation, lost her son Logan, and has watched her surviving child, Caden, cope with this immense loss. The Love, Logan Foundation has been instrumental in raising awareness about the fentanyl epidemic, with Erin’s work particularly focusing on the pain siblings experience
Tracy, author of Shadows of Grief, lost her son Marcus to fentanyl poisoning. She has three living adult children—Justice, Angela, and Elizabeth—who have each endured the heart-wrenching grief of losing their brother. Her book is a tribute to families navigating the aftermath of such loss and offers hope to those struggling to find peace.
Together, Tracy and Erin have channeled their grief into a meaningful cause: creating a national day to recognize the silent suffering of siblings left behind. National Fentanyl Bereaved Siblings Day is their way of paying homage to those who stand strong in the shadows, supporting their families while carrying the weight of their own heartache.
We encourage you to mark April 3rd, 2025, on your calendars and begin thinking of ways to honor the siblings who have endured the unimaginable loss of a brother or sister to fentanyl poisoning. Whether it’s through lighting a candle, sharing memories, or simply offering a moment of reflection, this day is for them.
Let’s turn this day into an annual tradition of remembrance, love, and healing. Together, we can ensure that no sibling’s grief is left unnoticed.