JACKSON, Wis. — Community members who've lost loved ones to addiction lit candles to honor lives taken too soon in Washington County.
Powerful music, speeches and open discussion brought people to Still Waters Church in Jackson for a candlelight vigil Thursday night.
"It needs to be talked about!" Kathy Stadler said. "It's very heartbreaking to watch somebody fight that battle... They want to be part of the family, have friends and a successful life."
Watch: Washington County families honor addiction victims at vigil
Her son Craig Berres died due to a drug addiction when he was 35 years old. He battled opioid and heroin addiction. Now she shares her family's story and lights a candle in his honor.
"It's taking away lives that had so much potential," she said. "It happened to my son. That just automatically gives me empathy with anyone else who's gone through it."
Ron Naab's son is in prison as a result of his addiction.
"This is an epidemic in our country," he said. "We've found that when you come here, you feel like you're the only one. As you start talking, you find out, oh, they have the same issues."
Issues shared by many but often hidden — something people at the vigil hope to change and help comfort one another during the holidays.
Naab emcees the event in the hopes of helping others dealing with loss know they're not on their own.
"Eventually, we can become a light for others," he said. "Support them and help them."
The vigil was hosted by the church and Elevate Community Resource Center.
Washington County community members who want to talk can call Elevate's crisis center at (262) 365-6565.
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