Trail of Truth Welcomes Core Advisors Susan Ousterman, Cynthia Munger, and Housing Works
Susan Ousterman (Left) and Cynthia Munger (Right) have been hard at work planning the first ever National Trail of Truth
Trail of Truth is proud to announce our collaboration with activists Susan Ousterman (Vilomah Memorial Foundation), Cynthia Munger, and Housing Works.
Susan Ousterman is the founder of the non-profit Vilomah Memorial Foundation, whose mission is to create memorial gardens nationwide to honor our children lost during this epidemic, while also building a nurturing community for bereaved parents to access resources, collaborate on advocacy initiatives, and find respite together. Since losing her son Tyler in October 2020, her advocacy has led to SAMHSA’s updated language on the medical marijuana prohibition for SABG recipients and the creation of a federal task force to establish guidelines for the safe, equitable practice of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Her testimony was a key factor in establishing a pilot program for psychedelic-assisted therapy in Connecticut. Susan currently serves on the board of the overdose prevention line Never Use Alone and her county's opioid advisory committee. She also facilitates advocacy workshops for other grieving parents because she is convinced it is the power of our unified voice that will lead to reducing preventable deaths of despair. #unleashtheparents
Since the loss of her son, Susan has sought solace in support groups, specifically for vilomahs grieving the loss of children related to substance use, as well as retreats for all bereaved mothers. She learned quickly that all child loss — any age, for any reason — is simply unfathomable and unnatural. It levels you, showing you how trivial most things are and how incredibly important the meaningful things are. All of our stories are different, but our grief is not. It's impossible to describe this experience to anyone who has not lived it, yet we need few words when in the company of each other. We are connected in our pain, we understand, and we give each other grace. These healing gardens will provide vilomahs a nurturing environment to freely share the unique stories of our children, encouraging growth from grief while supporting one another as only we can.
Susan’s vision for Vilomah was born of the agonizing decision we all face: choosing a final resting place for her son Tyler. She couldn't accept the idea of visiting her vibrant, young son in a gloomy place, such as some cemeteries. In conversations with other vilomahs, she learned this was a common feeling. No one is prepared to make these decisions; it's uncharted territory. They deserve beautiful places where when we visit, we can feel their lights continue to shine, and embrace not only our grief, but the joy they brought to our lives.
We hope our first Vilomah Memorial Gardens project in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, will become a refuge and ultimately provide a space for families and support groups to socialize, share stories, and remember, and that it can serve as the model for these sanctuaries nationwide.
“A garden for reflecting, remembering, and refuge offers profound solace and comfort to those experiencing loss, trauma, and displacement...The beauty of trees and flowers is a counterpoint to death and a comfort to the grieving.”
Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts.
Cynthia Munger is an activist for justice who is pushing for big pharma to be criminally charged for their role in the overdose epidemic.
Watch her interview with John Oliver (Timestamp - 18:15)