Pubdate: Tue, 29 Nov 2005 Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Parksville Qualicum Beach News Contact: http://www.pqbnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361 Author: Colleen Dane Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) MOM TO SHARE STORY OF LOSS In the educational video Death by Jib, one mother shares footage of her only son Ryan in days when he looked like a healthy, vibrant, beautiful young man. That was before he started using crystal methamphetamine. And before he dove off an overpass while he was high one night, and killed himself. Now, Kerry Jackson is sharing her painful story, in the hope it will bring more awareness to addictions, at a presentation that is coming to Oceanside tonight. "She doesn't come out to shock," says Kevin Wilson, chair of the Oceanside Community Crystal Meth Task Force, that is sponsoring the presentation. "She says, 'Look I'm a normal parent and I'm talking to normal parents and this is what can go wrong'. Jackson will highlight some early signs and potential vulnerabilities to drug use that she didn't know would contribute to her only son's death. "She talks about the signs and symptoms," says Wilson. "Like, 'what I would have done differently'. It's a presentation that can be valuable to parents with children of any age. "I would strongly recommend it to anybody out there who has any concerns about crystal meth at all. While Jackson's son used crystal meth, her experience could help parents prevent addictions of any kind, Wilson adds, which is why he expects the presentation to be a busy one. "My guess is it will be standing room only because she has a very powerful presentation. The evening will include a talk by Oceanside RCMP Constable Kevin Day on crystal meth in Oceanside, a screening of the video Ruined Lives, Jackson's presentation and a question and answer period. The event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the SOS Child, Youth and Family Centre, beginning at 7 p.m. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin