MADISON, WI (WCMH) — This story of emotional healing begins in Wisconsin and ends 600 miles away in Steubenville, Ohio.

According to WBAY, Alyssa Steward died in 2014 from a heroin overdose. Her funeral was on her 21st birthday.

Since then, her family and friends have the tradition of releasing balloons in her honor. Of the 80 balloons sent out this year, four were found, including one 600 miles away in Steubenville.

“I was amazed and I was sure God dropped this balloon here on purpose,” said Maureen Black, who found the balloon in Ohio.

After finding the balloon, Black texted the number on the card attached to the balloon. That number was to Alyssa’s mom, Wendy.

Wendy said Alyssa fought addiction for years, and what happened to her daughter, can happen to anyone. “She had a good upbringing. She went to a Catholic school. She never got in trouble with the law.”

Since finding the balloon, Black and Wendy have remained in contact and talk regularly. Black says she knows many who have been affected by drug abuse, and now she shares Alyssa’s memory.

“It’s a terrible problem and I think kids if they know an actual story and see an actual person that was affected by drugs maybe they’ll think before they start using drugs,” said Black.What others are clicking on: