Happy Holidays & Party Safe!

'Tis the season to enjoy family, friends, and parties. Keep in mind that everyone cherishes their loved ones, and the holidays are one of the hardest times of the year for people who've lost loved ones.

I speak from personal experience. Listening to Christmas carols, I was taken back to my childhood when my sister and I would create our own lyrics to "Rudolph" and over-exaggerate "Gloria...In Excelsius Deo". We loved to celebrate Christmas.

Karen's not here physically, but she'll always be a part of our hearts. Each Christmas, we hang a special ornament with her photo on the tree...she'll never be forgotten.

Please party safe so all can enjoy these special moments with their loved ones.

On behalf of all the CAID volunteers, we'd like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays!

Deanna

Ignition Interlock Devices for DWI offenders

New York is blazing a path, and CAID couldn't be happier. Lawmakers just gave the green light to one of the toughest sets of anti-drunien-driving statutes in the nation.

It's a huge step to making our roads safer from drunk drivers. Tuesday in Albany, the state assembly passed a measure that special ignition locking devices can be imposed on any driver convicted of drunk driving. This includes first-time offenders.

The legislation also means those drivers caught drinking and driving with a child (passenger 15 and under) in the car could soon face a felony, that would bring up the charge from a misdemeanor.

How do these ignition interlocking devices work? A driver would blow into the device and the car wouldn't start if the driver has any measurable level of alcohol in his or her system. Interlocks may be set for "running retests" which require a driver to provide breath tests at regular intervals. That If a driver fails a running retest, the car's horn will blare and/or lights will flash to hopefully alert a police.

The bill is named after 11 year old Leandra Rosado. She was killed on October 11th in Manhattan, her father was a major advocate for the legislation, personally lobbying lawmakers.

Kudos to New York lawmakers...they woke up to the fact that DWI continues to make our roads dangerous. This legislation could be the starting point for turning things around.


Deanna

Talking to Students

October is Red Ribbon Month, also known as drug prevention month at schools. CAID has been doing the rounds at various schools.

First, CAID presented Karen's story to sophomores at South Park High School. Students were very receptive to the message. Then, just a couple days later it was off to Mount Mercy Academy. I knew that it would be emotional, returning to my alma mater (and my sister's). The girls were very attentive and I was impressed by the maturity and interesting questions.

Just last Friday, I went to Trocaire College where the group was older, yet still very encouraging that despite how emotional this can be, the message needs to be delivered.

This Wednesday, we're headed to West Seneca West.

CAID is planning a DWI awareness day this holiday season. Everyone's invited to see us at the Walden Galleria Mall on Sunday, December 6.

If you're interested in Deanna's pregnancy as she prepares for her new addition - head to MyBuffalo.com and search "Baby Chronicles".

Until next time...

Deanna

What CAID is up to these days

First of all, my apologies, it's been three weeks since I last updated this blog.

Not that it's an excuse, but my husband and I are expecting our first child (it's a girl :)), so life has been both tiring and hectic. If that's possible.

CAID is planning a DWI awareness day at the Walden Galleria Mall coming up on Sunday, December 6. Come out and learn what we're all about, and support a good cause.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking to sophomore students at South Park High School. They're having their red ribbon week in coordination with their Homecoming Dance. The students were very receptive to my message, and asked many questions. I want to say thank you to Katie Thomas, Karen's friend (and passenger in the March 1998 accident).

Tomorrow, I'm headed to Mount Mercy Academy (our alma mater) to talk to students there about the dangers of drinking and driving. I'm sure it will be emotional as I walk through the halls that Karen and I both enjoyed so many happy memories in, but hopefully the girls will understand how dangerous DWI is and remember Karen's story.

Thanks for supporting CAID,

Deanna

New Tool for Police Making DWI Arrests

Imagine this: you're pulled over for DWI. In addition to the typical sobriety tests: finger to the nose, toe-heel walk in a line, etc. etc. police also ask you to roll up your sleeve to have your blood drawn.

It could happen.

Police in Idaho and Texas are beginning drawing blood from people suspected of driving under the influence. Here's a link to the AP article about it. Officers are being trained as phlebotomists.

CAID says this is just another tool that police can use to fight DWI on our roads. With the proper training, hopefully police can discourage even more people from driving under the influence.

Could officers in New York soon follow the lead set by police in Idaho and Texas?

Very possible, I'll keep you updated here as I learn about similar efforts in New York.

Until next time...

Deanna

A Success!

Thanks to the hundreds of players who participated, the spectators who came out, and all the volunteers who helped make the 2nd Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser a success.

With 17 teams participating, we doubled last year's number plus more! We had 110 items in our basket raffle, tons of food and water, and a 50/50 drawing too! The kids enjoyed a bounce house and cotton candy too!

Here are a few pictures from the event...more pics are coming soon!



Stay posted...we'll be counting up the proceeds and providing you with a total soon!

Thanks to all!!!!

Deanna

Preparing for CAID's largest fundraiser!

It's almost here. In just a few more days, the 2nd Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser will get underway at Sunshine Park in West Seneca.

I'm so impressed by all the enthusiasm, excitement, and competitive spirit among the team captains. The Junkyard Dawgs, our returning champions will have a challenging task as they try to defend their title.

The forecast is calling for sunny skies and 79 degrees. (I told you it wasn't going to rain :))

It's a one pitch tourney, which means all games will last approximately 45 minutes-1 hour.

The first games get underway at 8am on Saturday. The championship game will get underway at approximately 3pm, and the fundraiser will probably wrap up by 5 or 6pm.

Water, coffee, donuts, pizza, and chicken and pulled pork sandwiches will all be available for a minimal donation. All this food has been donated by very generous local businesses. COLD water and pop will be available for all, perfect for a hot and humid day. Head to the picnic area at the center of the park. *All proceeds* will be donated to CAID.

What about the basket raffle and silents auction? We have 5 times as many donations as we had last year - more than 100 items have been donated - ranging from gift certificates to huge baskets to autographed memorabilia from your favorite local athletes. For just a few dollars, you could walk away a winner.

We've publicized this event more this year, and we're expecting lots of spectators to watch you all take the field. We're hoping everyone keeps in mind that this is an alcohol-free event, a charity event, and should be a fun event.

Have you wondered what CAID is and where your money will be going? We'll have a CAID information table near the basket raffle where you can learn more about my sister Karen who this organization is dedicated to and what we're trying to do to fight drunk driving on WNY roads.

BRING THE KIDS! We'll have a bounce house, cotton candy machine, and possibly even a special guest visitor :)

We'll have a team of 15-20 volunteers assisting us with various parts of the tournament throughout the day. If you have any questions throughout the day - look for the volunteers dressed in the gray t-shirts. They'll be able to help.

Feel free to email me or call my cell phone (830-4010) and I'll gladly answer your questions.

Thank you again for taking part and we'll see you Saturday!

Deanna

Honoring NYS Troopers

Before I begin, I'd like to extend my deepest condolences to all the families who've lost a loved one to a drunk driving crash in the last two weeks. It's been one DWI crash after another in the last couple weeks, including the one on Friday that killed a Buffalo Police Officer who was on his way home from work.

One thing that's overshadowed by all the coverage of the crashes is the good work being done on our roadways to prevent DWI from causing serious harm. This afternoon, CAID was proud to acknowledge New York State Police, Troop T for leading the way in DWI arrests for 2008. Troopers had more arrests than any other police agency in Erie County with 431. With those arrests, troopers averted 431 crashes that could have killed or injured someone.

Captain Nigrelli of the New York State Police was given an Award of Excellence. I'd like to thank the NYS Police, Erie County Central Police Services, STOP DWI of Erie County, and the New York State Thuway Authority for being a part of this presentation. All these groups work together to make our roads safe.

Here's a link to The Buffalo News story about the recognition.

Sadly another life lost to DWI & 3 teens dead in 24 hours

Kristina Moley was just 19 years old, when she made the terrible mistake to trust her 21 year old friend Ryan Lacey to drive when he was drunk.

Kristina died in a one car crash last night, when the car she was riding in and Ryan was driving, slammed into a tree in North Tonawanda.

Ryan's BAC has not yet been released, and he's at ECMC being treated for his injuries. He'll probably face other charges in connected with the crash that killed Kristina.

Unfortunately, Kristina is the third teen to die in less than 24 hours in WNY. Two girls were killed early Tuesday morning when their car missed a curve and slammed into a utility pole. Amber Graf and Sarah Breslin were close friends who graduated from Clarence High School last year. In that crash, police say high speed is to blame, and it's not yet clear whether Graf had been drinking or using her cell phone at the time of the crash.

I'm deeply troubled and saddened by the loss of these three young lives, in what appears to be preventable crashes.

I know the pain their families are experiencing, and my heart and prayers go out to everyone.

Please don't drink and drive. Did you know that 3 people die each hour due to an alcohol-related crash? Remember that operating a motor vehicle is a privilege. Take care and drive responsibly, so no more lives are lost on our roads. This is why I fight...so no other family goes through this pain and heartache, and I will keep fighting until drunk driving no longer steals precious lives.



Thank you,

Deanna

CAID Softball Tourney Update

The clock is ticking to CAID's largest fundraiser of the year - our 2009 Softball Tourney is about 5 weeks away!

It's an exciting time for CAID...plans for this event have been in the works for months!

The registration deadline is just 6 days away - that means if you plan to participate and haven't gotten a team together yet, you better get moving! There's not much time to waste. All registration forms and payments must be in by Wednesday, July 15.

We need to order t-shirts and make plans for refreshments, brackets, and umpires...we appreciate everyone's cooperation as we plan to make this event twice as successful as last year.

I'll have updates here for all the teams and spectators in the days ahead...so stay tuned!

Thanks,

Deanna

Stallworth Should Be Ashamed

It's not uncommon for sports celebrities to indulge and disobey the law, so when Cleveland Browns' receiver Donte Stallworth was arrested for driving drunk and killing a pedestrian in Miami earlier this spring, I wasn't very surprised.

I was however very disappointed to hear the judge's ruling in the criminal case. Earlier this week, Stallworth was sentenced to just 30 days in jail for killing the 59 year old construction worker. When he finishes his month-long sentence he'll be under house arrest for two years and eight years of probation. He killed someone, and yet he only gets a month in jail?

I don't care if he was the NFL MVP, that doesn't give him a "get out of jail free" card.

Speaking of the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell had no sympathy for Stallworth. The league indefinitely suspended him for what he did.

Kudos to Goodell for taking this action, at least someone recognizes that what he did was inexcusable. At least his professional football career is over.

The family and friends of the construction worker has been robbed of a life.

Deanna

Thinking of my sister

So it's a Friday night. A night when many people party, sometimes too much.

It was a Friday night when my sister was ripped away from my life because of such a careless decision - a drunk driver.

Tonight, I'm thinking about Karen and what a great person she was...a sister and a friend.

In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips. ~Author Unknown

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden. ~Author Unknown

A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added. ~Chris Montaigne

What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it? ~Jenny DeVries

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. ~Margaret Mead

Love you Karen and miss you lots!

Dee

A Friday morning I won't forget

As most readers to this blog know, I lost my sister Karen to a drunk driving crash 11 years ago, and since 1998 have been speaking out about the crash in an effort to make sure no one else goes through that devastation.

So as I packed up my stuff this morning and headed to South Park High School (tonight's their prom), it was just another school presentation..I was wrong.

I patiently waited for the assistant district attorney and police officer to speak. Both of these ladies were excellent. The prosecutor spoke about a crash involving a five year old girl, headed back from a wedding who was decapitated.

The officer told of a police chase she was involved in just last week in which she encountered one of the "drunkest" people she's ever met.

Then it was my turn.

I stepped in front of the students - about 100 or so - and started my PowerPoint. The first slide - a picture of Karen in her dorm hallway.

As I went through the story of what kind of person she was, what happened on that cold March night 11 years ago, I could see tears forming in some eyes.

When I go to all these schools, I don't expect to impact all the teens. After all, it's impossible to reach every one of them. I do hope that at least one listens and doesn't drink...let alone drink and drive.

These students actually got a "2 for 1". Katie, Karen's friend who was driving also spoke about the crash and how her life has been impacted by this drunk driver. How police came to her parents door and they thought Katie was dead.

Katie's a teacher at South Park, someone these kids see in the halls all the time. Now, it's a constant reminder of the dangers of DWI.

It really was an eye-opening experience for these kids.

I was overwhelmed by the response when students came up to me afterwards. Lots of hugs, both students and teachers contributed to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. (I think we raised $200 for CAID). Some walked away with flyers about CAID's largest fundraiser, coming up this August, the CAID 2nd Annual Softball Tournament.

I think some of these kids really got it. What was it? Perhaps it was a combination of things - Karen being a teenager, the crash took place in South Buffalo, Katie talking about how the crash impacted her...whatever it was...something got to them.

A special thank you to South Park High School, Katie (she never talks about it so I could see that it was hard), and everyone who supports Crusade Against Impaired Driving.

Until next time...


Deanna

Shameful...but thank goodness the kids weren't hurt

Last spring, I spoke at Iroquois Central High School about the dangers of drinking and driving. An auditorium full of juniors and seniors listened to me pour out my heart as I begged them not to drink and drive and be more aware of adults who do. I even went to their senior prom to remind them about the dangers of DWI

That's why this story hit close to home...I have a special bond with that school.

Monday morning, Robert Donnelly, a 70 year old East Aurora man drove four students from Iroquois to the Baker Road School in Orchard Park. He was drunk. Luckily the students got to their destination safely.

When he arrived back at the school, a supervisor smelled alcohol on his breath then alerted school officials and police. Donnelly was charged with DWI, he blew a .14 BAC. That was the exact same BAC that Michael McCarthy blew. He was the drunk driver convicted of killing my sister Karen.

Not only was Donnelly charged by state police, he was also placed on unpaid administrative leave at the district, where he had been a driver for the past eight years.

My question is this: What was he drinking for so early in the morning? Perhaps he has a serious drinking problem?

Didn't the kids smell any alcohol on his breath?

Perhaps police and school district officials should not look at this as an isolated incident, but instead take precautions with bus drivers to make sure it doesn't happen again. Train the drivers, bring in speakers (like myself) to talk about the dangers of DWI, and be more aware of those who try to drive drunk.

This could happen again.

Thank goodness no one was hurt.

Deanna

Latest on the 2009 CAID Softball Tourney

Plans are underway for the 2009 CAID Softball Tournament!

Here are the details:

Saturday, August 15, 2009
Games start at 9am
Sunshine Park
East and West Road, West Seneca

The registration fee is just $200 a team. We are also looking for donations for the silent auction.

Prizes include gift certificates from Darien Lake, the Bisons, gift baskets and much more!

For team registration forms or if you'd like to donate, email me at deanna@karenscrusade.org

Thanks!

Deanna

More young lives snuffed out too soon - only this time it's different

He was just 22 years old, had just pitched one of his best games of his short major league career.

Soon after he left the ballpark, Nick Adenhart was hit by a driver with a .24 BAC - three times the legal limit. That crash killed the California Angels pitcher, along with a 20 year old California State University student and a law student. Another victim is fighting for his life in the hospital.

Unfortunately, it's another sad story of young lives - on the cusp of the rest of their lives - taken by a driver who made a bad choice. Police say the drunk driver, 22 year old Andrew Thomas Gallo, was on probation, he was driving with a suspended license. They say he ran a red light, and slammed into the car carrying Adenhart, and three of his friends. Then Gallo fled, only to be arrested by police 30 minutes later.

The difference with this case - Gallo's being charged with three counts of murder, along with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the accident. Rarely do drunk drivers get charged with murder.

Kudos to the California Prosecuters office and the judge who made that decision.

In the case of the death of my sister, the drunk driver was charged with vehicular manslaughter and vehicular assault - for the death of Karen and injuries he caused Katie.

All I can think right now is Adenhart was just about to make a name for himself, just about to start leading the Angels to what could have been greatness, and the two others who were killed, who knows...but again a drunk driver took them away - from their family, friends, and the community that loved them.

Think what could have been - what he could have been - what his friends could have contributed to society, nope, not going to happen...all because of a drunk driver.

When are things going to change? When are people going to learn that they can't drink, drive, and get home safely?

Drunk driving takes too many lives - I'm going to keep fighting against it until stories like this become non-existent.

Deanna

Happy Birthday

On April 3, 1979, my parents brought you into my life. I was four years old.

Our childhood was a happy one. Even though we didn't have many material possessions, there was a lot of love in our house. Lots of hugs, and smiles.

Remember the times when we would play "Uno" in my tiny bedroom? Or the times we'd fight over the window seat on the trips to Baltimore?

Remember the night when we went to see "Little Mermaid" at the movies? We were both young adults, yet we laughed like kids.

Over the years, we experienced life's good moments - like graduations, proms, and those that were a little more rocky.

I can't tell you how many times your smile or your "Hi Dee!" greeting would brighten up my day.

Today you would have been 30 years old, and I can't help but wonder who you'd be today.

I see your smile, I see your face I hear you laughing in the rain Still can't believe you're gone

It ain't fair you died too young Like a story that had just begun The death tore the pages all away God knows how I miss you All the hell that I've been through Just knowing no one could take your *love away* Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today

Would you see the world? Would you chase your dreams? Settle down with a family? I wonder, what would you name your babies?

When I have kids, they'll hear all about you - you can count on it. They'll see the pictures, hear all the stories, but unfortunately they won't be able to meet you in person.

I know you are my angel, guiding me through the pain, not a day goes by when I don't think of you.

I love you and miss you Karen.

Deanna

(The picture above was taken at one of the last Christmas gatherings spent with Karen. From Left to right, My cousin Melissa, Karen, and I)

Anne Adams & Cowards

Earlier this week, a judge was selected to sentence former attorney Anne Adams. State Supreme Court Justice Michael Griffith of Warsaw will probably sentence Adams next month.

They had to assigne the case to Griffith, because Erie County Judge Sheila DiTullio, who took Adams' guilty plea last month, recused herself. Both women once served as Erie County prosecutors.

We'll continue to follow this case to see what the sentencing will be for Adams. She's already lost her job, can no longer practice law in New York, and now she'll probably get a prison term.

All because she tried to "fool the system" instead of admitting guilt for the DWI that she was arrested for back in September.

Now onto another topic...

During the last several months, there have been several hit and run crashes, that could have been alcohol related. A few weeks ago, a young man was struck and killed while walking on McKinley Parkway. Turns out the driver who reported the accident was responsible.

Earlier this month, a Town of Tonawanda woman is blaming her boyfriend, after she struck two young women near Daemen College. She said her boyfriend told her to leave the scene after she knew she struck at least one person. She was arrested several days later when she tried to get her vehicle repaired.

Then there's the attorney who fled the scene in October, after he struck and killed a young woman on South Park Avenue in Hamburg.

In many cases, and possibly all the crashes I've listed above, people run from the crash because they know they've been drinking. Then often there's the cover-up, either the driver takes their car to a repair shop to get it fixed or in the case of the attorney in Hamburg, they try to fix their vehicle themselves.

My opinion - shameful. These people really are cowards. There should be harsher penalties for drivers of hit and run crashes. I've heard of attorneys who actually tell their clients to flee the scene. So what ends up happening? They leave people dying on the side of the road...like animals, not taking responsibility for their actions.

Make the penalties of hit and run crashes stiffer, and you'll see fewer of these crashes. Until that happens, people will continue to drive away, leaving people seriously hurt or dead.

Until next time...

Deanna

She's not just a drunk driver, she's a dishonest lawyer

Anne Adams is no longer a practicing lawyer, she resigned and is banned from appearing as an attorney.

It's bad enough that Adams pleaded guilty to three misdemeanors for drunken driving and her role in trying to fix the case. Now, The News is reporting that Adams was about to be fired due to allegations surrounding a divorce case. Adams took thousands of dollars from a client and the woman tried for six years to get some of that money returned.

Doesn't Adams have a conscience?

Obviously not, this is the same woman who tried to fix her drunk driving case.

What'll happen to Adams? She's awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty last month to drunken driving, offering a false instrument for filing and attempted tampering with physical evidence.

Deanna

11 years later...Who would she be today?

It's hard to believe that nearly 11 years have passed since my sister Karen was tragically killed by a drunk driver.

I've started CAID in her memory, and I'm happy to say that the organization is gaining strength and our biggest fundraiser - the annual CAID Softball Tournament is moving full steam ahead.

We just had a meeting to discuss the softball tournament, and I'm positive that this year's event will be bigger and better than last year.

It all comes back to Karen, my angel who is guiding me through each step of the process. I know that she's proud of what I've done and is with me in spirit forever.

Here's a song that always brings a tear to my eye when I think of what was lost on March 6, 1998 - a bright, young life cut tragically short.

Karen, you'll be in my heart forever, and I do everything in memory of you.


Deanna

She's not above the law

Anne Adams made a bad choice on September 2 of last year, and she's continuing to pay the price for her actions.

She tried to escape drunk driving charges...tried to cover-up what she did, but now she's plead guilty, lost her job at UB's Law School, and her friend the judge has resigned from office.

Ms. Adams, I hope you fully understand that no matter if you have a law degree or know "higher-ups", you can't escape the consequences of your actions.

Someone just like you Ms. Adams, killed my sister and I hope that you've learned your lesson and you will be prosecuted for your actions.

Deanna

He admitted to drinking half a case of beer...when he was pulled over for DWI

All I could do after reading this article was shake my head.

What was he thinking? Was he thinking at all?

How did he walk to his car, let alone get behind the wheel to start driving?

Why didn't anyone at the party stop him before he tried to drive home?

Not only did his BAC register at over THREE TIMES the legal limit - .27, but he had a prior conviction for DWI.

All I can say is Thank God no one was hurt or seriously injured...or in this case Thank you Niagara County Sheriff's deputies.

Deanna

Not all DWI victims are killed

Here's a link to a story in The Buffalo News about a drunk driving crash in Hamburg.

This happened within a few miles of my house.

With all the stories of DWI crashes, you often hear about the families left behind when people are killed in drunk driving crashes, but you don't hear about the victims injured in drunk driving crashes. The victim in this crash suffered burns covering 30% of his body.

If it wasn't for the help of the two Hamburg police officers, this man would have died last night.

What's it going to take for people to realize the dangers of DWI crashes?

My thoughts and prayers go out to this man and his family...

Deanna

Volunteers Wanted!

I'm getting a jump start on the planning process for the 2nd annual
CAID Softball Tournament. Last year we made $3,000 for CAID (Crusade
Against Impaired Driving, an organization I started in memory of my
sister Karen Kwiatkowski), and this year I think we can double if not
triple that amount.

What I need is your help to make it a success, last year I did a lot
of the work myself, and this year I'm hoping to form committees to get
everything done in a timely fashion.

Our first meeting will be held Wednesday, February 25 at my home in
Lake View . I can email out directions for all who need them.
Please bring all suggestions as we begin to plan CAID's only fundraiser.

If you can't make it but would still like to help, please let me know.

Thank you,


Deanna Russo

Barkley Charged with DUI

Yet another celebrity - this time a famous "hoop star" has been charged with drinking and driving.

Former NBA player Charles Barkley has been charged with DUI in Arizona. Here's a link to the story.


I'm disappointed that yet another athlete has made such a bad choice. If the charges prove to be true, I think Barkley should publicly apologize for the decision.

Until next time...

Deanna