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The Addict's Mom Founder Marks Son's Death With Facebook Candlelight Vigil

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On April 7, The Addict’s Mom held a candlelight remembrance on Facebook in memory of Daniel Montalbano (1991-2015), the son of TAM Founder Barbara Theodosiou. Entitled Lights of Love: Remembering Daniel Francis Montalbano, the event marked the tragic passing of a talented young man to the twin demons of addiction and mental illness. In a recent interview with The Fix, Theodosiou painfully recalled the most recent relapse of her son and her desperate struggles to help him walk a path of recovery.
After leaving a local rehab in South Florida without any money or identification, Daniel had been missing for over a week. Despite a massive search effort, the heartbreaking end to this latest ordeal occurred when police got in contact with Theodosiou. They informed the loving mother that her son’s body had been found in the morgue. In a poignant message on the group’s website, she expressed her grief and her courageous resolve:
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“Daniel was a very unique and gifted soul; he was a free spirit. He expressed that soul and spirit in his art, and in his writing. He was brilliant; he had a thirst for knowledge. At times misunderstood by others, I remained in awe of his ability to overcome defeat time and time again, and to rise up stronger, and more determined in his quest for a successful adult life. It is because of Daniel’s pain and struggles that I created The Addict’s Mom ... I know within my very core that his life is my inspiration to fulfill the mission of TAM. Although Daniel’s life is a high price to pay, his life will not be in vain.”
Upon hearing of his death, countless TAM moms contacted Barbara to express their support. In a stirring and emotional tribute, thousands of TAM members and supporters posted pictures of candles they were burning on the night of April 7 to honor Daniel’s memory. The Addict’s Mom group page and her personal profile page were also filled with such images and condolences. Picture after picture of burning candles, message after message of consolation, the online experience reflected the loving convergence that has come to characterize the community of The Addict’s Mom.