REDINGTON SHORES, Fla. — Parents and family of those who have passed from the opioid-fentanyl crisis are coming together in Pinellas County this weekend. It’s through an event called ‘Angels Across America.’

This event is a chance for them to speak up and let others know about the epidemic.

That includes people like Bob Dennington, who is reflecting on his daughter Mariah’s life through pictures.

“Her soul was too beautiful for this ugly world and that’s all I can chalk it up to," says Dennington. "I know she’s in a better place now.”

Mariah passed away at the age of 28 after suffering with drug addiction, Dennington says. Now, he wants to bring attention to the problem and the need for resources for those looking for help.

“I have a good family, good jobs, a good home and the evil that is out there can infiltrate the best of families," said Dennington. "It’s sad, it’s very sad.”

In fact, last year, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner reports having a total of 549 drug overdose cases.

“I think every family is affected by it somehow, either by their family member or from a friend’s family member,” said Kellie Sipos, founder of My Child Left Home for Heaven. “If you can hit one family, impact one family, or one person who’s using drugs (...) with these banners that we have of hundreds of children’s pictures and see these parents walking down the beach in memory of their children. Maybe it’ll make them think twice about the drugs they’re taking."

A mission these parents have taken up for the memory of their children.

“If I can save somebody else the pain of losing a loved one, sign me up,” said Dennington.

You can learn more about Angels Across America online here.