Debra Mayer, a devoted wife and mother, tragically lost her only son, Shaun, to addiction. In his memory, she dedicated her life to raising awareness and helping families affected by the epidemic. Debra shares Shaun’s story, his struggles with opioids and heroin, and her work advocating for change, including speaking before legislators.

During 2020, over 100,000 Americans died from overdose, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl leading the crisis. We honor Debra Mayer, who passed away in 2025, for her courage, advocacy, and powerful voice in the fight against addiction.

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show