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June 18, 2025 34 mins

 When parents find out their child is facing a serious challenge, most will do whatever it takes to help. That was certainly true for Janel Rodriguez after she learned her teenage son was battling a marijuana addiction. But despite her efforts, Janel's world was shattered in a way she never saw coming.

Just weeks into his sophomore year, her son Noah bought what he believed was a Percocet. It turned out to be fentanyl—and it cost him his life.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Janel shares her powerful message for other parents, what she wishes she had known sooner, and how she’s channeling unimaginable grief into action to help save lives.

If you liked this episode, make sure to listen to these episodes next:

Mother spearheads lawsuit against Snapchat in wake of teen’s fentanyl fatality

A pill bought via Craigslist cost him his life



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Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

  • daughters
  • sons
  • mothers
  • fathers
  • friends
  • wives
  • husbands
  • cousins
  • boyfriends
  • girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz



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