DoItForShelby was started in memory of Franklin Shelby Simmons by his mother, Mimi Harder, and her friends and family.

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Shelby was a brilliant, funny, and compassionate young man. Yet Shelby was lost to a heroin/fentanyl overdose in Memphis, TN on March 7th, 2017.

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Shelby’s father, Sheperd, authored a beautiful obituary. He concluded on a request: “Please pray hard for an end to the epidemic of heroin.” That request led to a radio interview with his mother on the Drake in the Morning show on March 31st, 2017.

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Helping Shelby's mother to prepare for the interview led family and friends to resources that they wished they had found when Shelby was still alive. Information not only on where to get help, but on just how deep this issue goes in our community.  Those resources have been compiled here for anyone in need.

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As a result of spreading awareness, Shelby's mother has been active in fighting against the opioid epidemic, from being co-chair of the Prevention and Education subcommittee of SCHD Opioid Response Task Force, to becoming the facilitator of a Grief Recovery Support Group, to speaking publicly about the tragedy that has befallen her family.

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Admitting you have an addiction is so hard to do. Loving someone who is addicted is conflicted and heartbreaking. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please get help.

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It's OK to get help!

#doitforshelby