SEATTLE - Their teenage daughter died from a tragic drug overdose. Her friend was sent to jail for not calling for help. Now Pat and Lisa McCarthy have decided to help other parents in similar situations through a Web site that is getting worldwide attention.
The Web site is called "Friends Don't Let Friends Die." Its goal is too teach kids how to react if they see a friend overdose on drugs or alcohol, and to help families cope with loss.
"It destroyed us, it turned our world upside down and won't come back," said Pat McCarthy.
New Years Eve 2006, Pat's daughter, Danielle, overdosed on Ecstasy. Her friend kept others from calling for help as Danielle drifted in and out of consciousness, and eventually died.
"In all of these situations it seems friends are ignoring other friends' pleas for help. That's what we're trying to get the message, to make the phone call. Call 911! That's what true friends are," said Pat McCarthy.
Now the McCarthys are spreading awareness to others through their Web site friendsdontletfriendsdie.com. McCarthy says the site gets 300,000 hits a month. It features the names and faces of teens and young adults - many who died from drugs while their friends did nothing to help.
Many families have gone on the Web site to share their stories of loss.
Kerri Uitdenhowen of Lynden lost her teenage son last August to a deadly combination of drugs. His friend now faces charges for not calling for help sooner.
Uitdenhowen wants to see justice, and now the McCarthys want to help her and others in that situation.
"We wanted to come up with a way to put as much information on one site, to help as many parents who may have lost a child," said McCarthy.
Since their daughter's death, the McCarthys moved from Puyallup to Medford, Oregon to be closer to their relatives who are helping them maintian the site.
If you're interested in checking out the Website, it's http://www.friendsdontletfriendsdie.com/index.shtml.
