Mother who lost son to accidental overdose death will remember him in KinderMourn duck race
Thousands of rubber ducks will float down the rapids at the Whitewater Center this weekend for a good cause -- KinderMourn.
The organization serves parents who have lost children, and it also helps children and teens who have lost a loved one. The Hope Floats KinderMourn duck race remembers loved ones gone too soon. Lori Hawes, who lost her 32-year-old son Cody to an accidental overdose in their home almost two years ago, is remembering him this weekend as the 19th annual event is held.
Cody’s story dates back to his senior year of high school, when Lori says someone attacked him with a hammer. Doctors rebuilt a side of his skull and prescribed Cody oxycodone.
Cody later turned to heroin for the same high but died when he unknowingly took drugs that were laced with fentanyl.
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Lori is still learning what life is like without her son.
“I miss him just the same. I think I’m not moving on, but I’m trying to move forward,” she said.
On the harder days, Lori listens to a voicemail from Cody. Lori gets weekly support from KinderMourn.
“My child is an adult and he’s still my child,” Lori said. “So it’s all ages and I’m so thankful.”
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Lori is now raising thousands of dollars for KinderMourn with a group named “Cody’s Crew.” Lori said the organization has saved her life and is helping her honor Cody’s.
“It’s what I can do to give back to them,” Lori said. “Everything they do for us is with that money and so it means a lot to me.”
The Hope Floats Duck Race will happen this Sunday at the Whitewater Center. The event is free and there is still time to adopt a duck.
>> For more information about KinderMourn, click here.
>> For information about Sunday’s rubber duck race, click here.
(WATCH BELOW: Families seek justice in 2 Burke County overdose deaths)