
GOOSE FoundationGrieve Openly. Overcome Stigma. Embrace Help.
G.O.O.S.E. — Grieve Openly, Overcome Stigma, Embrace Help.
Founded in loving memory of Aaron Anthony “Goose” McArthur. We remember every life, support every family, educate communities and work to prevent future loss from addiction, suicide, fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.
Every Life Matters.Every Name Matters.Every Family Matters.
Three pillars of hope
Education & Awareness
Presentations, prevention resources and honest conversations about fentanyl, addiction and suicide.
Explore fentanyl educationSupport & Recovery
Grief support, recovery connections and a coordinated path toward the Goose Hope Center.
See the Goose Hope Center planRemembrance
Until It Was My Child preserves every name, every story and every life that mattered.
Honor a loved one's name
Start here
The heart of this foundation — a mother's story, Aaron's journey, and where to find us next.
A mother's words
One Mama's Story
The personal journey of a mother whose loss inspired the GOOSE Foundation and Until It Was My Child.
Read her storyAaron's story
Understanding Aaron's Journey
From chronic insomnia and a prescription for Ambien® to dependence — the honest story behind our mission.
Read Aaron's journeyWhat's happening
News & Events
Upcoming events, awareness walks, presentations and the latest news from the foundation.
See what's coming up
Featured initiatives
Educating Communities • Supporting Families • Inspiring Hope
The GOOSE Foundation was founded in loving memory of my son, Aaron Anthony “Goose” McArthur, after we lost him to fentanyl poisoning. What began as one mother’s journey through unimaginable grief has grown into a mission to remember every life, support every family, educate communities, reduce stigma, and help prevent future loss from addiction, suicide, fentanyl, and other synthetic drugs.
We believe every life has value. Every family deserves compassion. Together, we can transform heartbreak into hope.
In memory
Aaron Was Not Alone
Aaron's death was not an isolated tragedy.
On the night Aaron lost his life, five people were poisoned by fentanyl in the Butte–Anaconda area. Three survived because they received timely emergency medical care. Aaron and another young mother of a young toddler did not.
That heartbreaking night forever changed multiple families and serves as a powerful reminder that fentanyl can take a life without warning. It does not discriminate based on age, background, education, or how deeply someone is loved.
Many young people are naturally curious and may be influenced by friends, social media, or a desire to fit in. Talk openly with your children about the dangers of counterfeit pills, fentanyl, and other synthetic drugs. One decision can change a life forever.
The GOOSE Foundation was created not only to honor Aaron's life, but also to remember every person lost, support every family affected, educate communities, reduce stigma, and help prevent other families from experiencing the same unimaginable loss.
Our Three Pillars of Hope
The GOOSE Foundation fulfills its mission through three connected initiatives that educate, inspire hope, preserve memories, and support families.
1. Until It Was My Child...
A GOOSE Foundation Initiative
The Dragonfly Infinity Memorial
A worldwide memorial, education, and awareness platform where families can honor loved ones lost to fentanyl, other synthetic drugs, suicide, and other tragedies. Every name tells a story. Every life matters. Every family deserves a place where their loved one will always be remembered.
2. Aaron the Goose Book Series
The Aaron the Goose Book Series celebrates love, family, resilience, childhood, hope, character, and life's enduring lessons.
Inspired by the true life of Aaron Anthony “Goose” McArthur, the series follows Aaron's journey from birth through adulthood.
By first getting to know Aaron as a son, brother, friend, and young man with dreams, readers discover that addiction and fentanyl do not discriminate. They can affect any family.
These books celebrate Aaron’s kindness, adventurous spirit, love of family, compassion for others, and the joy he brought to those around him. More than preserving one young man’s legacy, they are meant to remind parents that every child has a unique story worth protecting.
As the series grows, readers journey with Aaron through childhood, school, friendships, dreams, challenges, and life's difficult moments. Through Aaron's story, families are reminded that addiction and fentanyl do not discriminate—they can affect any family.
Our hope is that Aaron's story inspires meaningful conversations, encourages families to cherish every moment together, and reminds parents to talk openly with their children-because awareness, education, and connection can save lives.
3. Education, Family Support & Community Outreach
Helping Families Heal. Educating Communities. Inspiring Hope.
Through educational programs, family resources, community partnerships, and compassionate outreach, the GOOSE Foundation strives to provide individuals and families with knowledge, hope, and connections to support before, during, and after life's most difficult moments. We believe education, early intervention, and compassionate communities can save lives.
Together, Our Three Initiatives Create Lasting Change
Until It Was My Child — We Remember.
Honoring every life and preserving every story.
Aaron the Goose Book Series — We Teach.
Inspiring conversations through Aaron's life and lessons.
GOOSE Foundation — We Support.
Educating communities, reducing stigma, connecting families with resources, and inspiring hope.
Together, these initiatives work hand in hand to remember the past, educate the present, and help create a future where fewer families experience the devastating loss of a loved one.
Whether you are seeking hope, remembering someone you love, looking for educational resources, or searching for a way to make a difference, welcome. You belong here.
Need help right now?
- Call 911
Medical emergency or suspected overdose
- Call or text 988
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Dial 211
Community resources
