Michelle Leopold, known for her resilience and dedication, has transformed her personal tragedy into a crusade against the opioid crisis. The owner of Standard 5&10 and several Ace Hardware stores in the Bay Area, Leopold is now a prominent advocate for raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other lethal substances following the devastating loss of her son.
Leopold’s journey into activism began after the heartbreaking death of her son, Trevor, in 2019. Trevor died from an overdose after ingesting an Oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid known for its potency and peril. The loss of her son profoundly impacted Leopold, prompting her to channel her grief into action.
“I always thought I was not a tattoo person,” Leopold told FOX Business in a recent interview. “But if I were to get a tattoo, I would get ‘one tough mother.’ And then my son died, and I knew I wanted a tattoo, so that was the first one I got.”
The tattoo on Leopold’s ankle serves as a tribute to Trevor and a symbol of her strength and determination. It also embodies her resolve to combat the opioid crisis, an issue that has claimed countless lives across the country.
Michelle and her husband, Jeff Leopold, own Standard 5&10 in San Francisco, along with five other Ace Hardware stores throughout the Bay Area. Despite their success in retail, the Leopolds have redirected their focus to addressing the fentanyl epidemic, using their platform to educate the public about the dangers of synthetic opioids.
Their efforts include partnering with local organizations and advocating for increased drug education and prevention programs. The Leopolds are also involved in community outreach, sharing Trevor’s story to highlight the real-life consequences of drug misuse and to urge others to seek help before it’s too late.
“We want to make sure that no one else has to go through what we did,” Michelle Leopold said. “Fentanyl is a deadly poison, and people need to be aware of just how dangerous it is. If we can save even one life by sharing our story and spreading the word, then it’s worth everything.”
The Leopolds’ activism has garnered attention and support from both local and national communities, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the opioid crisis. Their personal loss has become a powerful catalyst for change, driving efforts to combat drug addiction and prevent future tragedies.
As they continue their advocacy work, Michelle Leopold remains a steadfast reminder of the strength that can emerge from adversity. Her journey from a grieving mother to a vocal advocate underscores the ongoing battle against fentanyl and the critical need for awareness and action in addressing the opioid epidemic.