In Stony Brook’s WUSB studio, host Allison Van Cott McEntee welcomes seven Beading Hearts mothers, including founder Linda Neuzen, for an emotional Play It Forward podcast.

United by the loss of their children to fentanyl, the group, founded in 2016, fosters healing through beading bracelets and storytelling.

“I’m not alone,” says Melissa, recalling the moment she received beads for her daughter Rachel, a gesture from another mother that created a “safe haven” against the isolation of grief.

The podcast, captured amid glowing audio meters, peaks when the moms gift Allison beads inscribed with “Look up for Stephen,” honoring her late brother. “This is hard… it was so weirdly healing,” Allison says tearfully.

“Each of our stories… that’s how we raise awareness,” Neuzen adds, as the group fights stigma and educates about fentanyl’s dangers.

The Beading Hearts invites families to join via beadinghearts.org or 631-278-1914, building a community where love transforms loss. Click here for full podcast.