Josh Zinner, a vibrant 23-year-old known for his warmth, friendliness, and adventurous spirit, tragically passed away on March 10, 2023, due to fentanyl poisoning. This heartbreaking loss inspired Josh’s family to spread awareness about the fentanyl poisoning epidemic, determined to break the stereotype surrounding addiction and honor his memory.
Josh’s father, Cliff Zinner, his aunt, Laurie Meares, and his cousin, Mathis Meares, were especially motivated to get involved.
Together, they formed Team JZ for Oakwood24, a 24-hour run benefiting Healing Transitions. This annual event holds special significance for Josh’s family as it takes place in Historic Oakwood Cemetery, the cemetery where Josh’s mother is buried—the same place where Josh would soon rest.
For Laurie, getting involved with Healing Transitions was the most meaningful way to grieve Josh.
She explains, “When Josh passed away, it seemed like the most logical thing to me was to make people aware of fentanyl. Even though Healing Transitions is not primarily focused on fentanyl awareness, it was easy to transition into discussing and being transparent about it with our friends and family.”
Cliff elaborated on the motivation behind their involvement, explaining how Healing Transitions’ goals aligned with his own. He shared that while financial contributions are crucial to sustaining nonprofits like Healing Transitions, it is also about breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and raising awareness of the fentanyl epidemic. 
“Money helps bring awareness, supports another individual struggling with addiction for a day, helps Healing Transitions run, helps them get the word out, and helps them service the homeless,” Cliff explained.
This fundraising effort felt different from others Cliff had participated in. Rather than writing a check to help reach a goal, he was the one inspiring others and inviting them to join his family in supporting Healing Transitions. According to Cliff, people genuinely want to help but often lack an understanding of the fentanyl epidemic.
“He wasn’t living in a homeless camp. He had a job. He went to college. He could sit there and look like you at a job interview.” By sharing Josh’s story, Cliff hoped to help people understand that addiction can look different for everyone.
Team JZ went on to raise over $15,000 during their first year participating in Oakwood24. Healing Transitions and this annual event became a way for Josh’s family to honor him while also coming together to help fight the fentanyl poisoning epidemic.
When talking about Oakwood24, Mathis reflected on the atmosphere created within the team and throughout the event. The team had set up a tent with heaters and Christmas lights to create a warm and inviting space for members to gather throughout the night.
“A place to come and hang out, with different people coming and going—you’d show up and could walk with them or not walk with them, and then you’d come back and someone else would be hanging out in the tent.”
For Mathis and the rest of Josh’s family, this event was not just a fundraiser; it was a way to channel the family’s grief and fill the void left by Josh during the holiday season.
The collective effort and shared sense of purpose have brought Josh’s family together, and this year, Cliff, Laurie, Mathis, and other loved ones will participate in the 7th annual Oakwood24 on December 21-22nd, 2024 to continue honoring Josh’s memory and supporting the mission of Healing Transitions.
Written by Molly Zinner