Local nonprofit to honor families’ loved ones on Black Balloon Day

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Unforgotten Project will host its first virtual black balloon tribute to honor those who died due to drug overdose on March 6.

Black Ballon Day is a time to remember, raise awareness and support those impacted by substance use disorder.

Kristin Contreras, founder of The Unforgotten Project, lost her 17-year-old son to a fentanyl overdose two years ago. She said sharing memories of a loved one is important.

"It's been very therapeutic for me to be able to share his story, to share his memories, to share his life because his life mattered. It still matters, and can still make an impact," she said. "I know that I'm not the only one that feels that way, that loves to share their stories, to keep their memories alive. I thought it would be a good tribute to start a virtual one."

Contreras said everyone's grief is different, but she wants to allow people to share memories of their loved ones.

"For me personally, sharing my son's pictures, his life, his story, who he was and who he impacted. Just keeping his memory alive, I think, was important for me. I want to offer that same avenue of grief therapy for other people," Contreras said.

While numbers for 2025 have not been released yet, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said in 2024, 1,450 Missourians died of drug overdose.

Compared to 1,948 deaths in the state in 2023, the almost 10% decrease is a win for Missouri.

"There's a whole community of people who've lost individuals to overdose or drug poisoning or other issues related to drugs," Contreras said. "I hope that they realize that their people matter, their stories matter and even though their person is gone now, we can still share their light."

Remembering and commemorating those who were lost to drug and overdose-related deaths is a staple for educating communities.

"I think it gives us an avenue to provide education, to provide Narcan, and to provide an avenue of therapy, grief and remembrance," Contreras said.

The nonprofit is accepting submissions to commemorate those lost. Loved ones may send a photo, the person’s name, birth and death dates and an optional brief story or memory they would like shared.

All submissions must be submitted by Thursday, March 5; however, Contreras said she will also accept submissions on Black Ballon Day.

All submissions may be sent to The Unforgotten Project's email at theunforgottenproject2025@gmail.com.