Our Story

Established in 2018, Dylan's Hope Foundation was born out of the tragic loss of Dylan, who lost his life to an overdose in Leduc on January 17, 2017, at the age of 23. Unfamiliar with Substance Use Disorder, our family was left to grapple with the heart-wrenching tragedy and search for understanding.

Dylan, a lifelong resident of Leduc, attended Catholic schools in the area and graduated from Christ the King School. He was passionate about cooking and singing, often performing at local lounges on karaoke nights. Dylan was a caring, giving, and selfless individual, cherished by many friends and devoted to his family.

A few years before his passing, Dylan sustained an injury and was prescribed oxycodone, a highly addictive opioid. This early exposure to opioids, combined with his long struggle with depression, created a perfect storm when he became unemployed in July 2016. During this period, Dylan turned to illicit substances, leading to a six-month battle with addiction. Despite his efforts to seek help in December 2016, the necessary resources were not accessible in Leduc. When he tried to secure a rehabilitation bed in Edmonton, he was turned away due to full capacity. Tragically, Dylan passed away from carfentanyl poisoning, a lethal opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl, found in a recreational drug. He died alone on a bathroom floor.

In the aftermath of his passing, our family was devastated and overwhelmed by the lack of support and understanding surrounding the opioid epidemic. This heartbreak motivated us to make a difference in our community by raising awareness of the dangers of fatal drugs, educating others about the epidemic, and working to end the stigma associated with mental illness, addiction, and overdose. Through our efforts, we aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to remember and honor our loved ones lost to overdose.