We all know that addiction is a real problem, but sometimes it's hard to grasp just how much it can affect everyone involved. For one mom, Jennifer Salfen-Tracy, addiction has caused her son Cody Bishop to disappear, and now she's asking for help to bring him home. Jennifer posted pictures of Cody seven months apart to show how quickly addiction can take its toll.
The face of heroin and meth...... is reality for so many people and families in this world today. This may be long so i apologize. For my family and friends who know me know that my oldest son Cody Bishop is suffering from his addiction. I am hesitant on sharing but many people ask how things are going so I feel I should share. I have learned along this path that so many people and families deal with the same heartache but just do not talk about it. This is A true issue in our world today that we need to pull together and focus on to fix instead of the government worrying about and spending all their money on throwing each other under the bus.
Jennifer then updated the post explaining that she knew the whereabouts of Cody but that she still hadn't heard from him.
Update..... Cody is still homeless in Las Vegas and I have not heard from him in weeks now. Hearing how bad he is doing is hard but not hearing at all is worse. The unknown is what makes A person not sleep at night. It is hard to understand how someone who has families and children who love and need them live the life they do. I have turned it over to God and pray that he decides he is tired of living like this and wants to come home to get help. Through social media I have came along so many great people that have crossed his path over time through his past rehab. They have A great support team with each other that is amazing and I appreciate those who have reached out trying to help. I just want to say thank you to those who have talked to him and thank you for all the prayers.
This is not just A problem that my family faces but almost everyone knows someone who has A drug/ heroin addiction. I pray for strength for those suffering and healing for their families and friends. FYI.... these pictures were taken 7 months apart. That is how fast someone is effected.... let’s get ahold of this issue America and help each other. Thanks again for everyone’s love and support. And Cody is you see this please call us... we love you!
Jennifer's post went completely viral, with more than 64,000 people sharing it. The concerned mother did acknowledge that it was never her intention to create something that would resonate with so many people, but rather she wanted to update those close to her on Cody's condition.
I just want to take A minute and say.... Wow! I cannot believe that my post about my son Cody has went viral like it has. My intention originally was to update my family and friends so they know how he is doing. I am Not always the best on updating everyone. Never would I have thought it would go like it has. I have learned along the way that there are so many people in this world suffering from the loss of A loved one.... suffering with A loved one who is addicted.... or addicted themselves. That just shows how much of an epidemic we have in this world.That clearly shows we do not have enough resources for this problem! We need to talk about it more, help each other, and just love one another instead of assuming the worst all the time. There is no way for me to answer all comments or messages but I just want to say THANK YOU for all the prayers and well wishes coming to my family right now. I am completely humbled and so thankful I cannot express enough. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart from all my family! We are overwhelmed! 💕
People began commenting on Jennifer's post and asking if they could help Cody, but she asked that people not approach her son if they saw him.
With all the attention my FB is getting I want to clarify something.... we know about the area Cody is. I appreciate everyone who is trying to locate him but I do not want any harm to comeTo him. He is comfortable where he is at the moment and the last thing we need is for him to get spooked and run to somewhere we don’t know. So please, if you see him don’t draw attention to him. I have people who specialize in this who will try to help the best way for Cody. We went and saw him in July so we know the general location. I truly appreciate all the help I just want him to stay safe. Thank you everyone! I appreciate everything!
Losing someone to addiction is one of the hardest things you'll experience. By the time you realize the signs of addiction, it's often too late to help. I can only hope that Jennifer and her family can find Cody and get him the help he desrves.