KIDS GAIN FROM A MOTHER'S LOSS

MADISON -- Ginger Katz's voice faltered as she spoke about finding her
20-year-old son's body in the basement of their Norwalk home.

He seemed as if he was asleep and had blood on his mouth, she told
eighth-graders at Brown Middle School Wednesday.

Ian Eaccarino had died of a heroin overdose.

"My baby just couldn't figure it out," Katz said, as an album filled
with pictures of Ian was circulated around the auditorium. "He didn't
have a second chance."

Hoping to prevent tragedies such as the one she experienced, Katz
founded a nonprofit organization called Courage To Speak Inc. after
Ian's death on Sept. 10, 1996. She presents her story to educate
parents and children about drugs.

Drug addiction is a disease characterized by deception, denial, and
violence, Katz said.

When her son was caught smoking marijuana in ninth grade, Katz said,
she believed him when he said he did not like marijuana. She was
practicing denial.

"And Ian was very good at deceiving," she said. "It was all part of
the disease."

He began using cocaine and then heroin as a freshman at the University
of Hartford. In the summer before his junior year, Ian agreed to see a
counselor.

"That's the summer my son came back to me," Katz said. They talked and
played tennis. But when Ian stopped by school, he relapsed. He was
planning on seeing a doctor the morning of his death.

Katz said she learned more about Ian's drug addiction from friends
after he died. He had tried angel dust as a junior in high school and
once even held a gun to his head.

Her message to students was to speak up whenever they see drug abuse,
and to communicate their feelings.

She also issued a warning: "This is one thing your parents can't get
you out of," she said. "You're hooked, and you're on your own."

Students after the presentation said Ian's story was sad and
reinforced the lesson not to do drugs.

"I think it's important for kids to experience firsthand the effect it
has on a family," said Assistant Principal Mark Hershnik.

Katz plans to continue presenting Ian's story to schools and community
centers.