Pinning a button of her son Adam to her blouse and clutching his photo, Linda Nuszen drove to Stony Brook University for a podcast to reflecting on Beading Hearts, the peer-run group she co-founded in 2016 after Adam’s fentanyl-related death.

“We suffered for so long alone,” she says, describing how the group’s members find solace in weekly meetings, beading strings, bracelets and key chains to honor their children and sharing stories to break addiction’s stigma.

As she greets fellow moms in the studio parking lot, Linda emphasizes the group’s safe space for healing.

“Our true healing is in helping others.”

Beading Hearts offers in-person and online support, advocating for fentanyl awareness and community connection. Families seeking support can visit beadinghearts.org or call (631) 278-1914 to join this lifeline of hope and resilience.