BUFFALO, N.Y. — Each face on the Prescribed to Death Memorial wall tells a story. 

The 22,000 faces are carved from little white pills to memorialize the number of people killed by opioid overdoses every year.

Jackie Thompson and her husband lost their son Paul to an overdose last September after battling pill and heroin addiction following a back injury.

 "I'm so happy to see this wall in Buffalo," she said. "It is overwhelming. It's powerful to see in person." 

The couple visited the wall Monday and reflected on the message they have for the thousands of parents whose child suffers from addiction.

 
"If it's your kid, show them all the love and support you can," Paul Thompson said. "Too many people turn their backs on these kids. They need a family behind them."

The memorial was brought to Canalside thanks in part to Avi Israel.The story of his son Michael, who died because of an opioid addiction in 2011, was added to the exhibit last year.

After seeing the memorial’s impact in other cities, Israel convinced the National Safety Council to bring it to Buffalo.

"The message there is beyond words," he said. "The visual effect of this exhibit goes way beyond what I could say as a father." 

For those impacted by the crisis the wall isn't just a memorial, but a message that the fight is far from over.

"We really need to be continuing the up the level of the risks that are out there, especially for our young people," said Melissa Weiksnar, who lost her daughter Amy to opioid addiction. 

"We want people to know the disease of addiction, there is help and there is hope, to reach out for that help," said Thompson. 

The memorial will be at Canalside for one week and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. free of charge.