Parks wrote that Molly attended college for one year, “until her addiction took over.” “She enjoyed theater, fashion, reading – especially Harry Potter, and will always be remembered for fearless personality and her trademark red lipstick,” he wrote.

Parks wrote his daughter had made “bad decisions,” including drug use. He said she had struggled to fight her heroin addiction for at least five years and had almost died of an overdose once before.

Parks said that the family, including his younger daughter Kasey, tried to help. “Molly’s family truly loved her and tried to be as supportive as possible…” he said.

Molly, left, and Kasey, right.

Parks told BuzzFeed News that people usually don’t say that their loved one died of a drug overdose because they are embarrassed, but he wants to change that.

“I wanted people to know that people are dying of addiction and overdoses,” he said.

He added, “People have to know, we are losing a whole generation.”

In a post on Facebook, Parks said he hopes other people who have relatives fighting addiction can help them get the help they need.

Kasey wrote on Facebook that young adults need to realize they aren’t “invincible.”

Parks said he never expected his obituary to go viral, but he hopes to inspire other families struggling with addiction.

He said his message is “don’t give up on your loved ones.”

“As long as they are still breathing you can help them, and it hurts, but don’t give up,” he said.

Parks said he never gave up on his daughter, and his family happy her story is being shared.

“They are very happy that there is coverage and people are being woken up to what is going on,” he said.