02/14/2026
Carol and I met in the "early years" not long after SAD was formed and worked together on a coalition concept that she eventually expanded. Carol was a fierce warrior against the system that perpetuated addiction and brought so many others along on her journey to end the epidemic. Her voice will be missed but her works, her example and her light will shine on.
🖤 We have lost a true advocate in this movement.
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Carol Egan — a longtime advocate, a fearless leader, and one of the earliest voices who stood up during the prescription opioid and illicit fentanyl crisis when so many families were still suffering in silence.
Carol dedicated her life to empowering parents and families across the country, reminding them that they were not alone, and encouraging them to fight back against this epidemic without fear. Her impact reached hundreds of families, and her legacy will forever be woven into the work we continue today.
Carol also created the beautiful Drug Epidemic Memorial, honoring lives lost and giving grieving families a place of remembrance, dignity, and strength.
Those of us who knew Carol know she lived by a powerful symbol: the butterfly — a reminder of transformation, hope, and resilience.
Today, as we mourn her passing, many of us have felt an undeniable heaviness… But we also feel something else: a message.
A reminder from Carol’s spirit and legacy:
🦋 Keep going.
🦋 Don’t let the light go out.
We will carry Carol forward in everything we do.
We will honor her in our advocacy.
We will honor her in every life we fight to save.
Rest in peace, Carol.
Our prayers are with your family and all those you touched.
Your wings are now part of this movement forever.
Facing Fentanyl Media
