Victoria "Rikki" Siegel died June 6, 2015 from acute methadone and sertraline toxicity, according to the medical examiner’s report. An excerpt from Rikki's Diary June 15, 2014... "I want things to be the way they used to; when I could resist food and people actually noticed & gave a shit. They used too….but they think I'm better b/c Ive gained weight; truth is, I’m more miserable now & no one seems to see through me…. I want everyone to know that if I ever pass away it’s no ones fault but my own. I love you all & you're the reason I made it this far. Don’t blame yourself. Live your lives in peace & I promise I’ll have the time of my life up there for you. Forever & ever" Experience the story of how a beautiful, smart, funny girl with everything to live for—and despite her family’s help, love, and support—became dependent on drugs. This is Rikki Siegel’s raw honest story about teenage life—its celebrations and craziness, dreams and nightmares, hopes and addictions. An eye-opener to parents that their teens could be experiencing similar straggles and dark thoughts right under their noses A drug overdose took the life of Victoria Siegel on June 6, 2015, in her parents’ home near Orlando. She was 18. Victoria was one of the 129 Americans to die from a drug overdose that day—and every day in 2015. Victoria, the oldest of 7 siblings, a high school graduate, a dreamer with a huge heart and every opportunity in front of her. Her tragic overdose inspired her parents to shine light on a dark issue crippling our nation. Through Victoria’s Voice Foundation & this book, they champion ways to reduce drug experimentation, addiction & overdose to change the realities of drugs. Victoria’s voice is heard here in her diary. May her words from the grave save lives so you don't lose a loved one too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during 2014, a total of 47,055 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States Most people use drugs for the first time as teenagers. Daily, more than 3,600 kids under 18 try an illicit drug for the first time. This terrifying statistic is also from the same 2013 NSDUH Survey. In 2013, the National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) estimated that, within the past year, 24.6 million people 12 or older live with substance dependence or abuse. After Victoria died, her ex-boyfriend Matt forwarded a text to her mother at that she wanted us to read and publish if she was no longer here. I just fell into a deep sleep dreaming sweet dreams & knowing how much you love me & I’ll always be with you. Take my journal in my nightstand drawer the fat one I always us. I’ve never shown anyone my journal but there’s no one else I would rather pass it onto than you. My business is everyone else’s business now and I’m ok with that Mom. – Rikki Siegel text message David and Jackie Siegel also decided that their tragedy should serve as a way of helping others. Victoria’s Voice is a book like no other. It tracks the real-life breakdown of a young girl caught up in the cycle of prescription medications, street drugs, and all of their terrible side effects. Reading her story brought tears to my eyes because I lost my son Brent to an accidental drug overdose (amphetamines and MDMA) in 2005. – excerpt from the forward by by Robert Shapiro, attorney and entrepreneur My heart was pounding. With shaking hands, I held Victoria’s diary, and I read it. And it broke my heart. I couldn’t believe how much Victoria had suffered. Her life was dark. She felt she was never good enough. After reading Victoria’s diary, I felt like I knew my daughter better than I had when she was alive. With a very heavy heart, I went to the living room, where David was reading, and I told him about the diary. He said he couldn’t bear to read it. Victoria had said in her text that she hoped her diary could be published to help other people who are struggling with addiction. She would have wanted to help them—to make them know that David also wanted me to carry out Victoria’s final wishes so that her words will live on. Now I’m ready to share her legacy to save lives. – Jackie Siegel Victoria was full of life. She was bubbly and athletic. She was a natural leader. America is under attack, not only by terrorists, but also from the inside, due to the drug epidemic. We are losing our future generations. I used to think that drug addicts lived under bridges and slept on park benches. How wrong I was. Drug addicts are found in every level of society. In fact, the more affluent parents are, the more likely their children are involved in drugs. Victoria’s legacy is that because of her death, many more people will live. That’s my promise to her. I’ll work the rest of my life keeping it. – David Siegel
✔ Author(s): David Siegel,Jackie Siegel
✔ Title: Victoria's Voice: Our daughter's dying wish to share her diary and save lives from drugs
✔ Rating : 4.3 out of 5 base on (288 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1732301611
✔ ISBN-13: 9781732301610
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Victoria's Voice by David Siegel
Sarah Franklin
The depth of character development was astounding. I felt like I knew each person intimately, understanding their hopes, fears, and dreams. It made the story so much more meaningful.
Katherine Stevenson
The way the author handled complex emotions and relationships was remarkable. I felt deeply connected to the characters, and their growth throughout the story was both inspiring and moving.
Tasha Cobbett
The author's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through their words is truly remarkable. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire book.
