Melissa Astalos

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I have an anchor with a rose symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice of a loved one. It's the start of a sleeve I'd like to get. I lost my husband to a fentanyl overdose November 11, 2023. I woke up to him falling face first off of our bed. I narcanned him 7 times and couldn't get him back. I had saved his life 13 times previously. I found the strength to get sober from alcohol, cocaine and meth after his passing, and now have 13 months clean.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

When it's finished, a story of perseverance, strength, and hope. That recovery is possible.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I believe my purpose in life is to help the still sick and suffering addict. Where I live as most other places across the United States is an epidemic. Something needs to be done to educate the public on addiction, and people in active addiction. I want to open a place to do that, and for people in recovery to go to where they can feel safe and not judged for their past. A place that can help get them housing, teach them life skills, and offer peer recovery services. I want to make a difference.