In Honor and Memory of Sean Gabriel Ryan (09/20/1998 ? 09/07/2021)
Sean Gabriel Ryan was Sarah?s dear best friend and loving partner. After he passed away on September 7, 2021, due to unsafe substance use, Sarah started SMAHRO partially in honor of Sean. Sean had so much life, love, and creativity within every aspect of him, and Sarah wanted nothing more than to implement that drive within her work at SMAHRO. That hope now lives on in SMAHRO.
He was the most loyal man you would ever meet, not only to his family but also to his friends. Sean just did his own thing and never cared about what people thought he should do. He truly had an "I don't give a fuck what anyone thinks" attitude, but had the utmost compassion and respect he had for the underdog. He adorned many tattoos and a style that stood out like a sore thumb; he wanted to make a statement, almost in a way that makes others question their personal biases. But when he showed his true compassion, that exterior persona he presented changed many people's perspectives on humanity and acceptance. He truly was the epitome of breaking down barriers of stigma. Because of his bluntness (although it did at times backfire on him), his fashion sense, and his I don't give a fuck attitude, he helped so many people feel accepted and comfortable becoming the person they wanted to be inside and out.
Sarah took on Sean?s nickname, ?Feef Feterus,? to keep him close in memory. Not because she wanted to become him, but because she wanted to carry him with her in all aspects of her life. He lives with her. Every kit, every training, every time she speaks out and advocates, he is right there with her and fighting alongside her.
Each resource shared through SMAHRO and each person they've helped keeps Sean's memory and beliefs alive. Driven by the idea that everyone matters no matter what, SMAHRO gives dignity and a second chance to those seeking help, truly embodying Sean?s spirit.
In December 2024, Sarah launched SMAHRO, a program that focuses not just on IV drug users but a program that specializes in all alternatives to routes of administration to drug use. The gap that SMAHRO noticed was that existing programs mainly focused on intravenous drug users, but here at SMAHRO, we wanted to create a safe space for people who use drugs to have other alternatives so they could seek out care in ways that were hardly available at traditional harm reduction programs. To show that harm reduction can and should cover all types of drug use, not just what IV users need, SMAHRO offers resource navigation, support, and empathy that match each person's specific needs. By doing this, SMAHRO aims to make harm reduction more inclusive for everyone, no matter how they take drugs and no matter the circumstances.
In addition to our focus on stimulant use, we offer GCMS/ LCQTOF-MS testing through pagroundhogs.org, ensuring that people know exactly what is in their supply. Knowledge is power, and testing provides transparency that reduces harm and empowers others with informed choices. If you're interested in their services, check out: https://pagroundhogs.org
Every purchase made through our Bonfire store directly supports Snail Mail & Hot Rails Outreach. Revenue from the store allows us to continue offering resource navigation, education, and advocacy, and helps us provide participants with the tools they need to stay safe. By shopping with you help our cause ensure that our mission of dignity, care, and harm reduction continues to reach those who need it most.
