Family whose son died from overdose donates $1M to hospital
CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago hospital has received a $1 million donation to start a substance abuse program for teens and young adults.
The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital announced the donation from the Jordan Michael Filler Foundation on Tuesday.
The foundation was formed by Julie and Mark Filler, whose son Jordan died of a heroin overdose in 2014 at age 23. It supports programs that help teens and young adults struggling with substance abuse, particularly opioid addictions.
In a statement, Julie and Mark Filler say their son's addiction was "heartbreaking," and made worse because there wasn't a local place to receive complete care.
By establishing the program they say "we hope no Chicago-area family suffers the loss of a child to substance abuse."