******SAVE YOUR CHILD'S LIFE*******

I AM LIVING "EVERY PARENT'S NIGHTMARE"

KEITH LAWRENCE WAGNER -- AGE - 15 12/12/82 - 8/7/98

Since the death of my only son, I have taken on the effort to have my voice heard above the enormous amount of red tape involving the education of the public and our children about the dangers of aerosols.

It is my hope that in bypassing some of the restrictions that I would be more effective in taking up my cause to "the public needs to know" arena.

I realized at my son's funeral that the adults in my own community were completely unaware of the term "huffing" and had absolutely no understanding about the dangers of aerosols.

I decided to take on Project Keith -- telling the story of my son Keith who at the age of 15 died because of the recklessness of another boy 18, who thought he could drive a car while huffing.

The public needs to be educated about the dangers of aerosols. Most adults only know the term 'sniffing'. The kids know the term "huffing" - whipping, etc.

Children (ages 9 to 17) already have the knowledge that common household products are inexpensive to obtain, easy to hide and the easiest way to get high.

Examples of products kids abuse to get high include but are not limited to: model airplane glue, nail polish remover, all cleaning fluids, hair spray, gasoline, (from your own car the cap is removed from the gas tank, and the fumes are inhaled).

Other products include the propellant in aerosols such as whipped cream, spray paint, fabric protector, air conditioner fluid (freon), cooking sprays (such as Pam) and correction fluid (such as white-out).

Today a friend of my daughter told me about the newest use in inhalant abuse amongst teens, which is the use of compressed air to clean computers. In today's computer world no parent would hesitate or be afraid of an item that would help their child maintain the integrity of their child's computer.

These products are sniffed, snorted (bagged fumes inhaled from a plastic bag) or "huffed" (inhalant-soaked rag, sock, or roll of toilet paper in the mouth) to achieve a high. Inhalants are also sniffed directly from the container.

Inhalant abuse is more popular than marijuana with young people. As little as $1.50 (lunch money) will pay for a can of air freshener. More than a million young people used inhalants to get high last year. By the time a student reaches the 8th grade, one in five will have used inhalants.

As sure as I was of Keith's behavior -- only intensifies my fight -- when Keith became part of the statistics either by his death or the fact that he was also "huffing" it became clearer to me that changes needed to be made. Our children need to be afraid

President Truman said, "I never gave anyone hell. I told them the truth and they thought it was hell." That is what you, as parents have to do -- create a hell for your children

Let's take away from our children the concept that I won't get caught by teaching them what will happen to them if they are caught and in terms strong enough so there is no doubt left.

I have no doubt in my mind that Keith's perception about "huffing" was that he knew he would get high, he knew what he was doing was wrong, and he would get in trouble for his actions.

But the trouble he thought he might be facing would be me. And he was no longer 'afraid' of me.

"Huffing" falls into the same category of what the youth think about smoking and alcohol. It's no big thing. It's different then their conception of illegal drugs because of the label 'illegal' already attached to cocaine or heroin.

But because cigarettes, alcohol and aerosols can be purchased in a legal manner the perspective changes -- it's not because it is illegal but because I'm not old enough.

Keith's participation in "huffing" changed the percentages, not only can a good kid huff, a good kid can die, either by his own or someone else's behavior.

The scariest part of all this is just that one reason -- it's the 'nice' kids that are doing inhalants and "huffing". Keith was a good kid -- loved and admired by everyone who knew him.

It's what makes my war just that more tangible because it's the kid's you'd least expect that are trying and getting high. And because they got high once and nothing bad happened before they've tried again. It is perhaps with this second chance that our kids die.

It's like playing Russian Roulette. The user can die the 1st, 10th or 100th time a product is misused as an inhalant. The wrong choice of aerosol can starve the body of oxygen, which can lead to unconsciousness and death, commonly referred to as SUDDEN SNIFFING DEATH (SSD.)

The next time you are in your garage, or a parking lot, just take a glance around you - you'll see perhaps two, hundreds or thousands of cars - whatever the number - each one of those cars has the potential of access for one of our kids to GET HIGH AND DIE.

Are you or your children ready to accept the responsibility - that he/she not only may die but they could well be responsible for causing someone else to die?

Are you or your children ready to accept the responsibility of what may happen - that they could end up being responsible for someone else's life and cause serious injury to themselves - as in Keith's case? The driver not only took the chance to get high on aerosols but he took that chance one more step further and he got behind the wheel of a car.

Are you as parents willing to accept the responsibility that today may very well be the last time you see your child? That's an built in fear we all have as parents - but with inhalant abuse and the wrong choice your child might die - and die before any help can be contacted. There is no 'golden hour' for anyone who dies as a result of inhaling.

I've been contacted by thousands of parents since Keith died. One parent in particular comes to mind - Mark B. - he had sole custody of his son age 15 - feeling sure of his son, he allows him to stay home unsupervised while he goes on a business trip for the weekend - worst thing he ever did. He comes home only to discover his son dead in the bathroom. His son decided to try and get high on butane, not only does he find his son dead, but alone, in the throes of death still imprinted upon his child's face, with the butane can still clutched in his hand.

A 13 year-old boy was inhaling fumes from cleaning fluids and became seriously ill a few minutes later. The parents were alerted and their son was placed on life support system - he died within 24 hours.

An 11-year-old boy collapsed in a public bathroom. A butane fuel container and a plastic bag was found next to him. He also had bottles of white out in his pockets. CPR failed to revive him, and he was DOA.

A 15 year-old boy was found unconscious in his back yard. According to his friends, the four teenagers had taken gas from the family's grill. They put the gas in a plastic bag and inhaled to get high, this boy died on his way to the hospital.

A mother whose daughter abused inhalants along with the combination of her asthma medication contacted me. This girl did not die - but she is fully disabled - she has to be fed through tubes. She does not have the use of her hands or feet. She is also blind. She is classified as a vegetable and her mother is slowly dying with her child - consumed with the responsibility of the intensive care her daughter requires. Her daughter has lost every bodily function - there is no action that she can perform without assistance. This mother posts before and after pictures on the Internet.

Very close to the time Keith was killed there was another accident involving girls who went out to get dresses for the prom. Four out of five girls abused aerosols and consequently they were all killed. Because of the inability to prove inhalant abuse at the scene, the medical examiner was required to autopsy all of the girls. When he came back with the answer that these girls had been inhaling, he was fired from his job because 'good kids don't get high..

My pain, grief, fear and the anger I carry inside, motivate me to continue my fight. It motivates me to do everything in my power to see that no other child is lost due to stupidity, selfishness and ignorance. I want the world of parents to be aware of the dangers of aerosols. I am but one person screaming in the darkness. Please add your voice to mine so that another family will not dwell in the hell in which I now exist.

Thank you.

Margaret Wagner - 13 Carl Place, Kinnelon, NJ 07405

For an email copy with additional information please write margaret@nac.net

Please visit Keith at Keith. His web site reflects the story as we knew it when he first died. My presentation Project Keith fills in the details. Please visit http://www.dailyrecord.com/news/news/3052800.htm. It tells of our adventure to Trenton to meet with the safety subcommittee meeting.

I had a complete collapse and was in the hospital for two weeks including Mother's Day. I don't have a diagnosis yet but I'm am suffering from a multi-system 'disease' of some sort. Of course my shrink and medical doctors disagree.

As far as I know all tests to date are negative. Things are starting to happen neurologically -- can't make my thumb on my left-hand bend. Symptoms were described to me as hand and glove pain.

It keeps on changing though seems every day or so something else is happening.

So many important people were there today. I saw the State Capitol building with my eyes wide open and it's a beautiful piece of history.

Even a representative from MADD was there. One of the Assemblymen asked me for my speech to hand out and that was a thrill -- I should have autographed it)

Assemblymen Merkt thinks it may go to the Governor's office as early as this summer. I am riding on such a high I don't think I'll ever come down. Margaret :)

The limo came at 11 p.m. Margaret Loretta, Larry Wagner and myself took off to pick up my daughter Cheryl Marie at work. The limo was a long white stretch with everything possible in it except a tub and bathroom. It had colored lights which were on and off like a rainbow all through the ride. Beautiful car. Had the effect of being on a train ride that is how long that car was.

My daughter Margaret Loretta took pictures of me all dressed up and was the photographer for the day. Video cameras are not allowed in the Committee Room but we were there earlier enough to get some snap shots taken.

We took the back roads to Trenton -- rainy but great drive. Through New Hope -- it was a lot of fun because at times it seemed that we were a caravan with trails of cars behind us. Once or twice it even looked like we had police escort and we had so much fun.

Arrived in Trenton at 1:30 and made our way to the State Annex Room 16. We were on time. Assemblyman Merkt was there on time as well. We registered with the Assembly and got called first thing.

I did my speech which most of you read. I sat between Assemblyman Merkt and Larry Wagner. After the speech the vote was taken around twice -- passed all hands ! One Assemblyman asked for the written copy of my speech, which I gave him but only after thought I should have signed it :)

Meet and shook hands with the representative from MADD. He was there to testify as well, but was so pleased with my speech he said that he didn't need to add anything to what I said. That was great as well.

Mr. Merkt after a few minutes searched us out to let us know everyone was so pleased with the speech and that there is more than certainty that this will go to the Governor's Office before the summer.

We went to lunch everyone was hungry and the cafeteria had great food.

Got picked up by the limo again around three o'clock. Just as the kids were getting out of school. We had a good time on the way home -- sneaking our fingers out of the limo to wave as the kids tried to chase us down.

We got home near 5:00 p.m. making a small detour to visit Keith while we still had the limo.

We got home safely -- got a nice surprise on the price of the limo -- a $20/hr. discount. Just got to talk to Mr. James Duffy of the Daily Record -- he's become our reporter and has faithfully assisted in getting Keith's story published. I made sure I thanked publicly everyone who helped with funds. Kamelot (our town's drug education committee) gave me coupons for 2000 photocopies. It is the only way that I can pay back the favors given and extended.

My goal is to keep on going with Project Keith. I am of the mind set not to become too professionally set up -- preferring my own brochure, etc. instead of things printed. I think the personal touch of one mom to another is good way to go. There is so little of a personal touch with things these days.

I saw and spoke to our Captain Bott and told him of our news. I put in a request to have Keith's Dare Counselor -- Officer Joe to accompany us to Trenton when this goes to the Governor's Office. That also includes Keith's Lacrosse Coach and Substitute Teacher -- Peter and one of our youngest admirers of Keith -- Clayton. He has planted a tree in Keith's honor in his back yard. I extended the invitation to everyone for this trip but there wasn't enough time to make plans.

Well that's it. Look for the article in Sunday's Daily Record May 28, 2000. They want pictures of me this time around so I'll be posing in the next day or so. You can access the news story at http://www.dailyrecord.com/news/news/3052800.htm.

Love to all and many thanks. Margaret -- Margaret Loretta, Cheryl Marie and Keith Lawrence's Mom.

Because the immediate after-effects are usually mild and last only a short time, many abusers believe that inhalants are essentially harmless. They are wrong. Inhalants can be very dangerous, both in their immediate effects and their long-term consequences.

Short-term effects During the high itself and the period of reaction afterward, physical coordination and mental judgment are impaired, much as they are by excessive drinking. Abusers often suffer falls and other accidents and cannot drive safely. They may engage in irresponsible or dangerous behavior, such as reckless violence.

Inhalants irritate the breathing passages, sometimes provoking severe coughing, painful inflammation, and nosebleeds.

Nitrite inhalants often cause intense facial flushing, feelings of severe weakness and dizziness, and heart palpitations.

Inhalants, particularly in heavy doses, may not produce a pleasant high but mental confusion, hallucinations, and delusions of persecution (paranoia) instead.

By depressing the central nervous system, inhalants may dangerously hinder the activity of the nerves that control breathing. The resulting respiratory depression may cause unconsciousness, coma, or even death. The danger is especially great if inhalants are taken along with other nervous-system depressants, such as alcohol or barbiturates (sleeping pills).

Inhaling for an extended time from a bag or balloon may cause a dangerous shortage of oxygen in the lungs. Like respiratory depression, oxygen deprivation (asphyxia) may lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death.

Long-term effects Even first-time users run the risk of sudden sniffing death (SSD). The mechanics are not well understood, but abusers may suffer fatal irregularity of heartbeat (arrhythmia) or complete heart arrest. The risk of SSD seems to be higher if the abuser engages in strenuous physical activity or is suddenly startled.

Repeated use tends to produce increased tolerance to the drugs and larger doses are needed to achieve the same results. Heavy doses in turn increase the risk of permanent brain damage, with effects such as poor memory, extreme mood swings, tremors, and seizures. Heavy, continuous use also increases the risk of heart arrhythmia and respiratory depression.

Nitrite inhalants tend to raise the pressure of the fluid within the eyes. The raised pressure may eventually lead to glaucoma and blindness. Regular nitrite abuse may also cause severe, pounding headaches.

Organic solvents are the most dangerous of all inhalants. They are poisons that break down organic compounds of all kinds including those that make up living cells. Once absorbed into the body, they tend to concentrate in the liver and kidneys, where they are processed for disposal. Repeated, heavy abuse may cause fatal damage to these organs, as well as to the heart and nervous system.

Certain signs suggest that a person may be abusing inhalants:
A sweetish, chemical smell on the clothes or body.
Inflammation of the nostrils, frequent nosebleeds, or a rash around the nose and mouth
Poor appetite and loss of weight
Pale, bluish skin
Watery, bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils
Slow, slurred speech
Clumsy, staggering gait, and drunken appearance

Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stares.
Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
Runny nose; hacking cough.
Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
Nnausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
Irregular heartbeat.

Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
Changes in friends; new hangouts; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
Change in activities or hobbies. Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or are late for school.
Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
Sudden over-sensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
Silliness or giddiness.
Paranoia
Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
Secretive or suspicious behavior.
Car accidents.
Chronic dishonesty.
Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
Change in personal grooming habits.
Possession of drug paraphernalia.

The three types of inhalants are sniffed or huffed in somewhat different ways:

The fumes from organic solvents may simply be inhaled from their containers. A liquid solvent may also be poured or sprayed on an absorbent material, such as a balled up sock or rag, or a roll of toilet paper, to increase the release of fumes. Abusers often try to concentrate the fumes by putting the solvent in a paper or plastic bag or a rubber balloon, and then holding the open end over the mouth and nose.

Kids are replacing lip-gloss with butane - they are filling the tops of felt tip pens and inhaling in full view of adults.

The capsules containing amyl nitrite are crushed and held beneath the nose. Butyl Nitrite may be inhaled in its container, or, like organic solvents, applied to absorbent cloth or paper.

Nitrous oxide may be inhaled through a mask from a tank of the compressed gas or directly from a punctured whippet. The nozzle of a whipped-cream container can also be depressed in such a way that only the nitrous oxide is discharged.

Inhalants: (Glues, aerosols, and vapors) Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; an unusual number of spray cans in the trash.

Alcohol: Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgement; dilated pupils; possession of a false ID card.

Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.

Depressants: (including barbiturates and tranquilizers) Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgement; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.

Stimulants: Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

Hallucinogens: Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.

Communicate daily with your children. Discuss what problems they have had or are now encountering as far as alcohol, tobacco, inhalants and other drugs are concerned. Remember that listening is the key to good communication.

Healthy examples on our part are what influence our children's behaviors. Consider how your attitudes and actions may be shaping your children's choice about whether or not to use illicit substances.

Involve yourself in your children's school. Reach out to counselors - and the police officers from your town; you will be surprised at the positive results you achieve -- especially for their teachers -- they are responsible for 'raising your child' so use it to your advantage and always voice concerns. Teachers are your 'extra pair of eyes' -- USE THEM.

Know their friends and their friend's parents - give permission to their friend's parents to allow them the authority to correct and/or report your child should they be witnessed to 'stupid behavior'. Do not shrug your shoulders by taking the stand - well that's not so bad - all kids experiment. Do not reinforce the behavior of GEE THE THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND NOTHING HAPPENED TO ME…

Love your children unconditionally. No matter what your children do or how they behave - love them anyway.

Devote more time to your children. Whether it's homework, reading, sports, or just plain old conversation, give them attention that shows you truly care. Be on top of them.

Listen to your children when you are the designated driver - don't make it obvious but listen - there are many lessons learned when your kids are talking with their friends.

Stop thinking that your child will never do such a thing. DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO THE WELFARE OF YOUR CHILD.

REMEMBER WHAT YOU USED TO DO -- WHERE DID YOU HIDE THINGS FROM YOUR PARENTS.

Although such topics as the use of tobacco, alcohol, inhalants and drugs are emotionally charged, they are a natural and necessary part of communicating process you have with your child. Clearly, the best time for such a conversation about drugs is when your child brings up the topic. As hard as this may be to believe, some children actually do this.

For most parents, however, it's not this easy and it may become your responsibility to raise the subject. You'll want to pick a time and a place that make it possible for you and your child to be comfortable and undisturbed. (Make an 'appointment' emphasizing the date on the calendar - it will not only help you remember but show your child that their time is just as important).

Remember that the purpose of this encounter is communication, so listen to everything your child has to say. Observe his or her nonverbal cues - they will let you know how he or she feels about having this conversation. Listening means paying special attention to what is said, both verbally and non-verbally.

Communicating with your child about drug use should not be a one-time occurrence or a one-way process. Conversations about tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, and other drugs are not like inoculations that can protect children for all time. Talk with your children often as they grown from preschool to adulthood.

"I don't want to be a hypocrite…"

What if you smoke, enjoy the occasional cocktail or experimented with drugs once yourself? This is a legitimate concern, but it should not dissuade you from communicating honestly with your child and sharing what experience has taught you. You don't have to project a perfect image to be an effective communicator! We are all human, and this is in itself an important message.

"I don't want to plant ideas in my child's head…"

MAKE THEM AFRAID TO TRY. Are you concerned that you might inadvertently prompt your child to consider drug use when it wasn't even in his or her mind to begin with? Don't worry, discussions don't suddenly make children users. In fact, you can safely assume that your child is already aware of alcohol, tobacco inhalants, and other drugs. Discussing these topics clarifies information and lets children know your views - it doesn't invite them to use these substances.

"I am uncomfortable with this role…"

There is nothing wrong with sharing your discomfort with your child. No doubt he or she already senses it. An admission from you reassures your child that your anxiety stems from within you, not from something he or she has said or done.

To make the task seem less overwhelming, you may want to share the responsibility for talking with your child with another nurturing adult in your child's life. Their coach - a next door neighbor they admire This will make it clear to your child that both of you consider this matter important.

It is important to keep in mind that if a child shows any of the following symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. The presence of some of these behaviors could be the product of adolescent stress. Others may be symptoms of depression or a host of other problems.

Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or if they occur in a cluster. A mental health professional or a caring and concerned adult may help a youngster successfully overcome a crisis and develop more effective coping skills, often preventing further problems.