Mom fights for addiction awareness

One year ago, Becky Barnell's 23-year-old son died from heart failure following a 10-year battle with his opioid addiction. Her son's death was a call to action for Barnell who feels too many people still do not know about the warning signs of addiction or where to turn for help. "I was surprised to learn what is available but I never knew it existed until after Colton died," said Barnell. The Hamburg mother started a movement called "Colton's Journey to Liberation." Over the past year, Barnell has worked tirelessly to organize a special event that will help families learn more about drug addiction and let them know that they are not alone when it comes to battling the disease. On Friday evening at St. James United Church of Christ in the Village of Hamburg, the first annual Colton's Cause Memorial Benefit will be held starting at 6 p.m. There will be bands, food and raffles to help raise money for organ donation (UNYTS). However, the main goal is to provide information about addiction from several organizations who deal with the problem.