karen's crusade

Back To School

2011-09-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, an average of 19 school-age children lose their lives in traffic crashes related to school transportation annually. Here are a few tips to stay safe as school goes back in session.

Red Means Stop...Really. When you see the red flashing lights on a school bus, don't be tempted to sneak past. Stop and stay stopped until the lights no longer flash or until otherwise signaled by the school bus driver.

Slow Down Near Schools. Remember to slow down in accordance with the reduced speed limits in school zones. Watch for designated crosswalks and children who may not be paying attention.

Stay Back, Don't Pass. It is illegal to pass on the right side of a bus. With many different stops on a bus route, remember to be alert when children are loading and unloading the bus.

Stay Alert. Children are unpredictable. Near a bus or in a school zone, you never know when they'll run into the street unaware of drivers.

Drive Safely!

Until next time...Deanna

Tourney Wrap Up & Corasanti Case

2011-08-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

This blog post is going to cover two topics...an thank you and an update on a high profile DWI case.

First, I'd like to say thank you to all the teams, spectators, and volunteers who helped make the 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser a success last weekend! We raised over $3900 to fight impaired driving in Western New York. We were featured by three media outlets (The Buffalo News, WIVB, and WGRZ) and there were numerous great photos taken by Jeff Noto. To check out the stories and photos, head to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crusade-Against-Impaired-Driving/186503824720758.

As an advocate who fights DWI in the community, I have been watching one recent case very closely. Just last month, a skateboarder was killed when she was struck by a well-known Getzville physician in a hit and run crash. As he awaits his hearing in front of a grand jury, Dr. James Corasanti is now the target of a lawsuit by the teen's family. Here's a link to The Buffalo News' article: http://www.buffalonews.com/city/police-courts/courts/article525245.ece

I wish Schueler and her family the best of luck and hope that justice is served in this case both in the civil and criminal case. Just because he is a doctor, doesn't mean he should be exempt from paying the consequences for his actions.

Until next time...

Deanna

With just days to go...it's the climb!

2011-08-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

The 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser is coming up on Saturday. For me that means tying up a lot of loose ends, running around town doing publicity, picking up donations, making sure everything is ready to go, etc. etc. etc. I've dealt with some frustrating moments over the past few days, to say the least.

I believe that my sister speaks to me through music. It may seem weird or "hoaky", but I believe that's how she talks to me. So when I heard this song about a half hour ago, I thought "OK, I can do this. Don't sweat the small stuff, just enjoy what you're doing."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

So you can count on this, regardless of what obstacles I face - I'm going to enjoy the climb!

Until next time...

Deanna

Remembering Alix and Hoping To Find Answers

2011-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't know Alexandria or "Alix" as her friends called her, but a tear welled up in my eye when I first heard about her tragic death this weekend.

Alix was the same age as my sister who was killed 13 years ago, also by a drunk driver. The difference in this case - the doctor who allegedly killed her while drinking and driving fled the scene. In my sister's case the drunk driver was arrested at the crash scene.

Authorities are now focusing on the hour and a half between the accident and when they arrested Dr. James Corasanti, who was charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Investigators say the accident occurred Friday night, shortly before 11:30, and are trying to discover Dr. Corasanti's whereabouts until he turned himself in to police at almost one o'clock Saturday morning at a Noco station on Millersport Road. Corasanti is charged under what is known as the "Hit, Run, and Hide" law passed three years ago.

As a DWI victim and an advocate who fights this horrible crime, I hope the authorities can find answers and make the appropriate punishment.

I pray for Alix's family and friends at this very difficult time.

Until next time...
Deanna

This Is Why I Fight

2011-06-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the honor of attending the MADD of Erie County Candlelight Vigil at Chestnut Ridge in Orchard Park. I knew walking in that I would hear stories that would make me tear up.

Not only were there tears shed, but it was eye-opening as well. I say that because hearing all the stories - like the woman who lost her husband of 29 years to a drunk driver, the young woman who was on the back of a motorcycle and survived a collision with a drunk driver, and another mother who's son and daughter-in-law were awoken in the middle of the night when an impaired driver crashed into fence after fence then crashed into their home. Following the vigil, I spoke to a woman who was seriously injured back in 1977 when a drunk driver slammed into the car she was riding in with her mother. Her mother was killed, and because of the significant brain injury she suffered she can't remember her mother or anything before the crash. Another young woman told me about all the injuries she continues to deal with when her "designated driver" who was drunk crashed into a car while driving the wrong way on the 198.

These are the stories of victims and survivors. Those people who have to wake up each day in a new reality. A new reality that shouldn't happen. A new reality that all could have been prevented. Drinking and driving is a choice. Those crashes aren't accidents, they are crashes.

When I started Crusade Against Impaired Driving, my sister became my driving force, my guardian angel. Tonight, seeing the tears and hugging these people made me realize that I have a lot of people to fight for.

I am on a Crusade Against Impaired Driving, and I fight for all victims and survivors of drunk and drugged driving.

Until next time...

Deanna

Prom Season: Time To Make The Right Choices

2011-05-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

It's prom season, that means for many teens in Western New York and beyond, it's time to dress up, get manis and pedis, and have a fabulous time at the prom.

As I heard one teacher say today, "Make it a night to remember, not be remembered."

That's why I talk at so many high schools this time of year. I remind teens that they're not invincible, and drinking and driving is not the responsible choice.

This year, I spoke at Mount Mercy Academy, Alden High School, Maple Grove High School, and South Park High School. Overall, I'd have to say that the students and staffers were receptive to the message.

New this year, all the teens who heard CAID's message received bright blue wristbands with the CAID name logo, and the message - "Choose responsibly, don't drink and drive".

Here's hoping that the students remember the message on prom night, graduation night, and for years to come.

Here are a few photos taken at South Park earlier today.

Until next time...

Deanna

Getting Ready To Play Ball!

2011-05-09T17:49:00.001-07:00

Preparations are underway for CAID's largest and most popular event of the year. It's the 4th Annual Crusade Against Impaired Driving Softball Tournament and Fundraiser. The place to be once again is Sunshine Park on East and West Road in West Seneca on Saturday, August 13 from 9-?.

We have several teams returning from last year, quite a few new teams who are planning to take part, and only 14 spots to fill. All the information you need to get your team registered is on the softball page.

We also have donation forms if you know someone who'd be interested in donating to our very large basket raffle. Music to jam and dance to will once again be provided by TomTom Productions.

We have lots of new stuff planned for this year - like special guest appearances, but we're still working out all the details....so stay tuned for more info!

Thanks for your continued support of CAID!!!

Deanna

Teaming Up With The Bisons This Summer!

2011-04-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

We are so proud to announce a special night...mark it on your calendars!

CAID is sponsoring the July 25th game as the Bisons take on the Pawtucket Red Sox at Coca-Cola Field.

We're going to be encouraging spectators to come see us at the 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser.

Half of the proceeds from special ticket sales from this Bisons game go to CAID. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to CAID's Evens Page:
http://www.karenscrusade.org/events.asp

Thanks again for your support!

Deanna

Breathalyzers in Cars

2011-04-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

When Karen was killed 13 years ago, DWI was treated much differently in Erie County than it is today. Back then, there was no device that would prevent you from starting your vehicle if you had too much to drink. But now, if you're convicted of driving under the influence - both first-time and multiple offenders - you may need to install a breathalyzer in your vehicle.

Last month while speaking at a DWI Victim Impact Panel, I met a young man who was convicted of his first DWI and he showed me the device. Needless to say, it's another deterrent for him and anyone else facing a DWI conviction, to never drink and drive again.

CAID salutes the people at the STOP DWI office for helping to implement the vehicle breathalyzer policy in Erie County.

Just the other day I was speaking to a couple of Erie County Probation Officers and they agreed that "times are changing" when it comes to the penalties facing DWI offenders. Erie County now has a felony DWI unit that checks on offenders at all times of the day via home visits. More officers are being dedicated to watch over DWI offenders.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Unfortunately there's one obstacle that remains the same over the years though, "It all depends on the judges." There are still those town judges who seem to think that DWI is not a serious crime. We can only hope that more of these men and women will realize that "DWI is dangerous and deadly" and these vehicle breathalyzers do save lives.

Now some are pushing for alcohol detection devices in all cars. Just last month, this article was published in USA Today. What do I think? It probably won't happen anytime soon, but as someone who lost her little sister to a drunk driver, it can only help keep our roads safe.

Until next time...

Deanna

Happy Birthday

2011-04-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Karen,

Today you would be 32 years old. I can't help but wonder what you'd be doing...perhaps a successful sports trainer, a mom, or a proud aunt who would absolutely love her niece. Alyssa has your blue eyes and we often show her your picture. She'll never know you, but she'll hear a lot of stories about you.

I love you and not a second goes by when I don't think of you. With you in mind, I continue to fight drunk driving, hoping other innocent lives aren't lost to DWI.

This is a song that brings tears to my eyes...wondering who you'd be today.

Happy Birthday, I love you.

Deanna

Stay Safe This St. Paddy's Day

2011-03-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

Needless to say it's one of the biggest drinking nights in Western New York. It's St. Patrick's Day - so we'd like to wish everyone a happy and SAFE holiday.

This blog says it best: Grandma's Guide to Life

Don't count on the luck of the Irish this holiday, please make the right choice and don't drink and drive.

Deanna

A First in Erie County as Officer Fights For His Life

2011-03-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

The man who killed his passenger and left a Buffalo Police Officer fighting for his life may be the first Erie County resident to be prosecuted on a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide.

Anthony Thompson is only 22 years old (a year over the legal age limit for legally drinking), and if he's convicted he could be serving 25 years in prison. Kudos to prosecutors who are making sure that Thompson is punished for what he did.

Watching the video of the crash (caught on surveillance tape used in this WGRZ report last weekend) causes the average person to gasp.

One of Thompson's passengers, Honey Ransom died of her injuries following that crash. The off-duty Buffalo Police Officer - Gary Sengbusch is hospitalized in critical condition at ECMC.

It's heartbreaking to hear the daily reports of drunk drivers maiming and killing innocent people. It's even more tragic when law enforcement officers are the ones who become their victims. After all, these men and women work hard to keep drunk drivers off of our roads.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sengbusch and Ransom families and the Erie County District Attorney and his staff who are making sure justice is served.

Until next time...
Deanna

"Accident on Seneca Street" Flashbacks

2011-02-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

"Accident on Seneca Street..."

When I first saw the report on the news all I could think of is, that's right where Karen's accident was. Just a few days ago, a pedestrian was struck by a hit and run driver...within feet of where my sister was killed.

Here's a link to the News' story regarding this latest incident. The 69 year old woman is in the hospital, and the woman who struck her hasn't yet been charged. Perhaps it's just a coincidence that the driver who struck this woman on Seneca near Duerstein is the mother of a Town of Tonawanda police officer and sister of the retired Town of Tonawanda Police Chief. I trust that her relations with the cops will have no bearing on the outcome of this case. Too many times "who you know" plays a larger role in the prosecution rather than "what you did".

The article says police are trying to figure out if the driver knew she hit the woman...how could she have not known? The impact sent her flying into the air!

Now at the end of the article, they mention that the victim served prison time for her role in a crash. As far as I'm concerned (as a victim and a fighter against DWI) that should have no bearing on this incident. She's a victim who shouldn't have been jaywalking, but the driver was ultimately at fault.

Now getting back to the flashback...Nearly 13 years later, I remember it like it was yesterday. Within feet of this most recent accident, my sister was riding with her friend when they were struck head on by a drunk driver. To this day, it's very difficult for me and my family to drive down Seneca Street. We often say a prayer as we drive down that stretch where my sister died.

13 years later I haven't forgotten and that's why I continue to fight and speak out about the dangers of drinking and driving, so no other family has to go through the pain that my family endures every day.

Until next time...

Deanna

Shaking my head in disgust

2011-01-17T07:53:00.001-08:00

When I originally heard about the story surroundingwoman who ran from cops when watching the news this weekend, I originally thought "she just didn't want to face the police because she was drinking and driving.

Then I read the story in The Buffalo News. Unbelievable. Her driver’s license has been suspended 12 times??? Yet she's still driving and putting countless lives in danger.

The driver who killed my sister was also driving with a suspended license. When the courts give out this penalty for DWI they are trusting the DWI offenders that they won't drink and drive anymore. Often the drivers don't listen.

Thank goodness the police caught up to her and now she's facing even more charges. Lives could have been lost due to her negligence.

I'd like to salute the law enforcement officers for getting her off the road...again. Hopefully now the justice system can keep her from endangering more lives.

Until next time...

Deanna

'Tis the season

2010-12-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

The holiday season has arrived, and for many Western New Yorkers that means parties and get togethers.

On behalf of CAID I would like to remind you to drive safe this holiday season. Remember to call a designated driver, if you or your driver isn't capable of driving home.

Thanks,

Deanna

Middle School Principal Charged

2010-10-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

I often use this blog as a way to vent my opinion on DWI cases in Western New York. When I heard about the Sweet Home Middle School Principal facing his second DWI charge in a matter of a few years, I was very disappointed.

I am a new parent, and if my child was in Mr. Smorol's school I would demand that school officials hold him responsible for his actions. I hope parents step up and demand the same.

If anyone should be setting an example for kids and young teens it should be school administrators and teachers. The school has since placed Smorol on administrative leave, but I don't think that is enough.

I might be able to understand if this was Smorol's first offense, but he's now been charged with two - the second being a felony.

I urge school officials to take the appropriate action, remember the kids.

Until next time...

Deanna

Adams Heads To Jail

2010-10-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Appeal rejected - Anne Adams, the former attorney convicted of DWI headed to jail this afternoon. While I should be pleased that the appeal was turned down and she'll be behind bars...it wasn't the sentence that an average DWI offender would get. Don't forget that she hatched a scheme to fool the system and avoid all of this too.

Adams will serve five weekends in jail, has to serve probation, and has to go to a DWI victim impact panel. There were other penalties as well, they are all listed in the article.

I speak at panels, and I hope that we get to meet. I'd like her to hear my sister's story and hear about what could have happened.

You can only dodge the law for so long Ms. Adams, I hope you learn your lesson.

Until next time...

Deanna

A judge is supposed to set an example for the community

2010-09-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

As a victim of a DWI and as the founder of Crusade Against Impaired Driving, I get disappointed and disgusted when I read about DWIs in the newspaper.

This evening I was beyond disgusted to hear about a Niagara County judge who is running for town justice in the primary Tuesday, despite the fact that he was convicted of a DWI himself last year.

Here's a link to the story in this morning's Buffalo News.

I so wish I lived in Niagara County, so I could vote against Judge Matineck, and I urge voters in that area to vote for his opponent.

How can someone who's been in law enforcement for 25 years, a judge for a term run again for re-election with a DWI on his record? He blew a .18 and now he says
"re-elect me"? I'd like to remind the readers of this blog that the drunk driver convicted of killing my sister blew a .14. Martineck could have injured or killed someone. Luckily, he was arrested before that happened.

I'm trying to hold back my anger right now, because I've said countless times that in most cases, I know police in this area are doing their jobs, arresting the DWI offenders, and too many times judges are not giving offenders the penalties they deserve and enforcing the laws on the books.

Now Judge Martineck says he doesn’t think the conviction will hurt him at the polls, no, he thinks it might have made him a better judge.

“If anything, it helped me to see the other side of the coin,” he said. “I’ve been through everything I put defendants through.”

What?

I disagree. I urge voters in Somerset to say "No, Martineck, we're not trusting you to be a judge in our town anymore. We trusted you to set an example, and you threw that opportunity away when you got a DWI."

Until next time...

Deanna

P.S. On a brighter note: Have you seen the photos from our 3rd Annual Softball Tournament and Fundraiser? Check out a wrap-up and see photos here.

Tourney Rules Have Been Posted

2010-08-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

With a week to go before the tournament, we've posted the rules on the softball page. We posted a list of all of our great sponsors too.

My volunteers have done a great job getting things ready - from the tourney to the basket raffle...if you have any questions, feel free to email me at deanna@karenscrusade.org.

Can't wait to see everyone next Saturday at Sunshine Park in West Seneca!

Thanks!!!

Deanna

Just a couple weeks away from the tourney!

2010-07-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Third Annual CAID Softball Tournament is just a couple weeks away, and things are very busy as CAID Volunteers prepare for the big fundraiser.

We have 12 teams competing in the one-pitch tournament this year. T-shirts are being ordered today, brackets are set up, rules are going to be emailed out to teams within the next couple days, and donations are being organized.

The big ticket item is the 32 inch flat screen television donated by Jay Leno. We'll be selling raffle tickets in advance and at the event.

This year we'll have plenty of food and refreshments, and the day will be a fun one for spectators and athletes too!

We'll have updates right here.

Get ready to have fun and raise money for CAID!

Deanna

Jay Leno Teams Up With CAID

2010-06-11T06:11:00.001-07:00

We're getting ready for the 3rd Annual CAID Softball Tournament on Saturday, August 14th at Sunshine Park in West Seneca.

We just learned that Jay Leno (Host of the Tonight Show, in case you've been living under a rock) is donating a 32 inch autographed television that we're going to raffle off. We're also going to have autographed merchandise from Bills, Sabres, gift certificates to local restaurants...and so many gift baskets!!! We're also expecting a well-known former Buffalo Bills running back to make another appearance to sign autographs.

Don't forget that at least a dozen teams will be hitting the diamonds to play ball too. It's a one pitch softball tournament that gets underway at 8am. We're expecting some great weather - perfect for lots of fun.

The real reason we're going to be there is to raise money for Crusade Against Impaired Driving - a non-profit dedicated to fighting DWI in Western New York.

If you'd like to register a team, donate to our silent auction, or volunteer to help, email us at info@karenscrusade.org.

You can find all the info on the softball tournament page right here on karenscrusade.org.

Where I have been

2010-04-23T13:26:00.001-07:00

I'm happy to report a new addition to my family. My daughter was born on March 9, 2010.

Since then I've been very busy caring for the little one.

I plan to head out to two schools this prom season to spread the important anti-DWI message. I'll be at Eden High School on May 3 and South Park on May 21.

We are also busy planning the 3rd Annual CAID Softball Tournament. Head to this page for more info.

If you took part in the tournament last year, and would like to register again - contact us ASAP at info@karenscrusade.org.

I'll be sure to post updates here on the blog as the tourney gets closer.

Thanks!

D

Remembering K.K. 12 years later

2010-03-06T06:22:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe it's been 12 years since Karen was ripped out of our lives by a drunk driver.

Years before her death, she purchased this single. I know she wants us to remember her for the kind-hearted, loving person she was. She remains an angel guiding me through this latest stage of my life and protecting me and my unborn child from harm.

I love you K.K., you'll remain in my heart always.

Dee

Leandra's Law: DWI With Kids in the Car

2010-01-17T14:18:00.001-08:00

A new law was passed in late 2009 which reinforces the concept that not only should drivers not be driving while intoxicated, but they also should not be driving while intoxicated with kids in the car.

It's called Leandra's Law, named after a young girl in Long Island who died tragically and senselessly in a DWI crash. It elevates a DWI charge to a class E felony when children 15 and younger are in the car.

Obviously there was a need for the law. In less than a month, three Western New Yorkers have already been charged with felonies under this law. The most recent was a Buffalo mother traveling with her 15 year old son in Colden who was charged this weekend. Last week, an Angola mother had her 3-year old child in the car with her when she was charged. Hypodermic needles were found in the child's coloring book. She probably won't be nominated for "Mother of the Year" anytime soon.

It seems like a basic concept to me, why would you endanger you, let alone your children after having one too many?

Good to see that local officers are enforcing this new law, and hopefully it's stopping irresponsible parents before it's too late.

Until next time,

Deanna

Happy Holidays & Party Safe!

2009-12-24T05:52:00.001-08:00

'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

2009-11-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-11T15:11:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-03-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-17T16:02:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-09T12:02:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-01-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

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

Orphans and Hit & Run

2008-12-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

She was 23 years old - a young mother who was merely crossing Main Street in Buffalo with her son. Within seconds she was killed. Amanda Knowlton and her son Isiah were innocent victims of a drunk driver, just like my sister. They were struck by a 21 year old - Christopher Tulumello of Amherst. Here's a link to the Buffalo News article. Police and witnesses say he didn't have the guts to stick around - he fled the scene, and was arrested hours later. He sped through a red light, struck Knowlton and her son, and kept going.

The anger I'm feeling right now is hard to put into words. Isiah Knowlton and his baby brother Sammy are orphans. Amanda's life was snuffed out way too early - just like Karen's. A drunk driver who made a bad choice and now a young woman is dead.

It's hard to feel remorse for Christopher and his family, even after reading what his mother says about him. If he was an adult with a conscience, he would not have fled the scene. He's facing several charges including DWI, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault, and leaving the scene of an accident. I understand the judge set bail at $500,000. Is that the price of a young woman's life?

My thoughts and prayers go out to Amanda's family and friends...and those two young boys.

As for Christopher - I hope you learn your lesson and that justice will be served.

Deanna

P.S. I continue my road to recovery after lung surgery. The key is to rest and not to overdo it. That's my prescription.

Update from Deanna

2008-11-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and am at home recovering from surgery. I'll be back to work on CAID's mission as soon as I am physically able.

To stay up to date with my progress, be sure to check out the YourHub blog.

Thanks,

Deanna

Lawyer Pleads Guilty in Hit & Run Accident: My Take

2008-11-01T12:55:00.002-07:00

Guilty. He's admitted to hitting a Hilbert College student and fleeing the scene, and just a couple days ago John Duffy stood before a judge in State Supreme Court. Duffy pleaded guilty to a felony charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident in connection with the death of Meghan Sobrera.

Sobrera was killed just a few weeks ago on South Park Avenue in Hamburg. She was on her way back from working at the Hamburg Fairgrounds, and was walking to Hilbert with friends when she was fatally struck by Duffy's SUV.

Police believe Duffy was drinking at the time of the crash, but they can't prove it because Duffy fled the scene and didn't turn himself in until 5 days later.

Duffy should be ashamed of himself. By fleeing the scene, he failed to take responsibility for his actions. The sentence that he now faces is 2 1/2 to 7 years for fleeing the scene of the crash. He's going to be disbarred.

He's an attorney who is using the law to his benefit. Even though Duffy's attorney continues to defend his client saying he thought he hit a garbage can, I say Duffy's not stupid, he knew that if he struck someone and fled the scene he'd face a lesser charge than if he stopped and took responsiblity for his actions.

Duffy's sending a message to others, "Hey, if you're drinking and driving and get into a crash, you can run, and you will get away on a lesser charge".

Shame on him and shame on anyone who is involved in a drinking and driving crash who doesn't take responsibility for his or her actions.

Deanna

CAID Prepares To Take Message to Area Colleges

2008-10-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

Next week, Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. will be taking our message to area college campuses.

It's National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, and CAID (Deanna) has been invited to speak to students at Hilbert, Buffalo State, and Trocaire College. We will share Karen's story with students and drive home the message that drinking and driving is preventable and is a choice.

If you want to read more about what's going on in Deanna's life right now, click here.

Deanna

1...2...3...6 Strikes. How many is it going to take?

2008-10-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

Not 1 or 2...but 6...that's how many "second chances" an Amherst woman has received. Now she's headed to prison for the next 1-3 years. The judge in the case called her "a DWI fatality waiting to happen" Here's a link to The Buffalo News article. After reading it, I agree with the judge.

Before I go on with this blog, why did I say six "second chances"? Because every time someone drives drunk, they are taking lives in their hands. I look at the DWI arrest as a "second chance" because no one was hurt or killed. Sure it costs money - fines, court fees, insurance goes up, etc. but no one was seriously hurt or maimed in the crash.

Deborah Mitchum, a 44 year old restaurant manager, received the sentence earlier this week after she was charged with her sixth DWI in nine years. She was also fined more than $1,800. It boggles my mind how someone can be so irresponsible. She really is a threat to everyone on the roads, because she hasn't learned her lesson...and keeps doing it over and over again.

Mitchum's attorney wanted her to go to counseling and spend weekends in jail. I'm glad the judge didn't give her that "slap on the wrist". In court, she claimed "she's too old for this now", yes Deborah, you are.

And you've been given a second chance that you can think about in jail.

Former Prosecutor & DWI

2008-09-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

It's a case that CAID is watching very closely. Anne Adams, a former prosecutor is in the midst of a legal battle of her own...charged with aggravated DWI. She appears to be getting special treatment by our local courts.

Let's go back to all this started...
At the beginning of September, Adams, 46, was arrested by Hamburg police after she was stopped and on Route 5 in Hamburg. When police stopped her red Ford Thunderbird convertible (it was weaving from lane to lane and nearly struck a guardrail), she failed all four roadside sobriety tests and her BAC registered at 0.19 percent. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment.

Two weeks ago, during her last court appearance, Adams' defense attorney and former Leonard Krawczyk said that Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark broke a “gentlemen’s agreement” in the case by leaking witnesses’ affidavits contained in a defense motion to get the case quickly dismissed. Meanwhile, Clark said he didn't break the agreement, saying he made the affidavits public at the arraignment. "They thought they would get this done under the radar, get it disposed of quickly and walk away. That’s not the way it’s done.”

This has definitely not been your typical DWI court case. A State Supreme Court justice, a police lieutenant and a doctor all filed legal papers saying Adams wasn’t drunk that night, and on the opposite side of the courtroom, three district attorneys were in the Hamburg courtroom, and Adams’ case was handled by two prosecutors who do not normally handle misdemeanor charges there.

Adams claims she had two glasses of wine and a water with lime at Shanghai Red's restaurant that night.

Here's a link to The Buffalo News report on Adams' most recent court appearance.

What are my thoughts on this case? I feel that if Adams did indeed drive drunk that night, she should be penalized like anyone else who's convicted of DWI. She doesn't deserve special treatment, and her case should not be treated any differently.

We'll be following this case, and what happens in the courtroom and we'll keep you updated.

Deanna

CAID Fall Update: Reaching out to Teens

2008-09-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on what CAID has been up to in recent weeks...we're reaching out to teens in unique ways.

I've been working on an interesting project that will share Karen's story with more students in our area. Denis Foley is curator of "Friends Exhibit/Last Call" at the Lewis Henry Morgan Institute at the SUNY Institute of Technology in Albany. "Friends" is a traveling exhibition. Its funding is provided through the Governor's Traffic Safety Council, New York State Stop DWI Coordinators' Foundation, The Sheldon & Ruth Goldstein Foundation and the New York State Press Association Foundation.

So what is it? Here's a description taken from the Friends website:
The exhibition focuses on the lives of the victims prior to the crash, emphasizing individual histories through photos, possessions, interviews of victims’ friends and families, and audio and visual recordings. A timeline traces the events of the victims’ last day, including a detailed account of the crash itself. Along with the text of the timeline, quotes and artifacts that pertain to the crash are part of this section. The aftermath that the families, friends, police and community were left with is included as well. The combination of these elements creates an emotional reaction in observers, with the goal of behavioral change. This approach creates a powerful message that may deter students from driving after consuming alcohol.

The exhibit featuring Karen's story will travel to high schools across the county and it's going to be very impacting. I spoke with Denis about in depth about what type of person Karen was and what exactly happened on Friday night, March 6. It will include the things that meant the most to her and really defined what type of person she was. It'll also have letters, newspaper clippings, and the timeline of the crash. As always, we don't expect all teens to be impacted by this exhibit, but if one girl or guy takes a look at the exhibit and makes the choice not to drink and drive, then it'll be worth it.

STOP DWI and CAID are also working on producing a video PSA that will be distributed to all schools to use as part of their morning announcements. This will give students a weekly report of arrests, crashes, and incidents tied to drinking and driving in Erie County and how lives are impacted. We're also working on a video contest with Fox 29 where teens will be able to produce their own anti-DWI video PSA. We'll keep you posted on these projects as they develop.

The mission of CAID is to educate and we're moving full steam ahead in that mission and hopefully we'll save lives in the process.

Deanna

Kids Call Cops on Drunk Parents

2008-09-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

It's a story that has me shaking my head in wonder...kids really are amazing. Even when their parents make stupid decisions, the youngest of children make the smart choices.

Check out this video and you'll see what I mean.

So what should happen to the drunk mom who tried to force her son to blow into the interlock device? How about public humiliation - like putting her name and picture on a billboard? How about taking her car away from her once and for all? That doesn't stop some people. The drunk driver who killed my sister wasn't even driving his car. Some people should not be driving at all.

Bad choices, it's what costs lives. Lives like my sister.

Kudos to kids and teens who make smart choices and call 911 when they witness their parents drinking and driving. Just goes to prove how kids are sometimes smarter than their moms and dads.

Deanna

More Pictures from the Tournament!

2008-08-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

It's been two weeks since CAID's first annual softball tournament, and now that things are getting back to "normal", I'm happy to say we have more pictures from the event!

Here are some snapshots...and there are more pictures from the diamonds on the events page. Check out my Buffalo.com/YourHub blog too for some "behind the scene" stories.

Thanks again for supporting Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc.!

Deanna

Swing, a hit and a success!

2008-08-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Awesome!

I can't begin to say how pleased I was with the turn-out for CAID's first annual softball tourney that was held on Saturday at Sunshine Park in West Seneca.

To call it a success just seems like such a cliche. Not only did the weather cooperate for a terrific day, but everyone had a terrific time at the event.

It was a "one-pitch" tourney, and for many people that was a new thing. How it works is that the batter gets one pitch to swing at, and if he misses he's out. The "one pitch" really moved things along, and kept the games exciting too. It prevented teams from playing until 7, 8, or even 9 at night....and because of the timing of the rain on Saturday...it kept everyone dry too.

The Junkyard Dawgs beat the Best Buy team by a score of 7-2. We also had teams from The Buffalo News, Buffalo.com, a couple teams that were put together by Karen's friends, and a team of teens that was organized by my brother-in-law. A special thank you to all the teams for coming out and entertaining us all with great games of softball.

Our silent auction was also a success. One of the most popular prizes...a large stuffed dog was won by a very ecstatic young girl, and her twin sister won a sports prize with just one ticket!

Support from the volunteers, community, teams, and sponsors all contributed to make it a very successful event.

We raised over $3,000 to fight drunk driving on our roads, and that's not the final tally. Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. is a young organization, and to have everyone rally behind our cause in the memory of my sister Karen really brought tears to my eyes.

I did a lot of the pre-planning for the tournament, but I couldn't have done it without the support of all the sponsors, teams, and a volunteers who helped in the days leading up to and on the day of the event. THANK YOU to everyone for all their help.

If you have suggestions, comments, or would like to play in next year's tournament, email me.

I look forward to a bigger and better tournament next year!

Until next time...

Deanna

Promoting the CAID Softball Tournament on Daybreak

2008-08-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

I put on the softball gear and woke up bright and early Wednesday morning to talk about the CAID Softball Tournament on Channel 2's "Spot 2 Be" on Daybreak.

Let me say on the record, that meteorologist Chesley McNeil is just as nice off the air as he is on TV. We wake up watching Daybreak every morning.

My friend and tournament "helper" Cindy Henning and I were on the segment, and CAID appreciates everything WGRZ-TV does to help promote community events like the softball tournament. "Spot 2 Be" is a great segment.

Seven teams will be taking part in the "one-pitch" tournament on Saturday at Sunshine Park on East and West Road in West Seneca. The first game gets underway at 10am, and the championship game is scheduled for 4pm. A silent auction will be held with lots of great prizes and gift baskets. All proceeds go to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. For those who want to make this an "all-day" event, refreshments will also be sold.

Come enjoy some great softball, take a chance on some awesome prizes, and support a great cause!

Go to our events page to learn more and see the tournament brackets.

You're all invited!

Thanks,

Deanna

Changes in Erie County: Quicker DWI Convictions & One Man Who May Face 25 Years in Jail

2008-07-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, I had heard that Pat Lakamp, a co-worker of mine, was working on a DWI article, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it in this morning's Buffalo News. This article proves that things are finally changing in courtrooms in Western New York. Prosecutors jobs are getting easier.

It points to a specific case - Brian Davis - who crashed into an oncoming car on July 5, the victim in that crash died two weeks later, now he could be the first in our area to be charged with aggravated vehicular manslaughter - he could get 25 years in prison if convicted. The drunk driver in my sister's case was charged with vehicular manslaughter. The difference is that aggravated vehicular manslaughter has only been on the books for the past two years. My sister's crash was 10 years ago (click here for Karen's story), so it wouldn't have been possible to charge him with the aggravated charge, but he may have been charged with it if it happened recently - that means he too could have been sentenced to 25 years in jail. He was sentenced to 5-15 years in jail, and was released this past June.

Meanwhile, back to the Davis case, he had been convicted of drunken driving five years ago and also was on parole for a weapons conviction. Two years ago, the D.A.'s office would have had to prove that Davis was criminally negligent at the time. Now after this Class B felony became effective, that burden's been lifted and they don't have to prove criminal negligence.

Not just that Class B felony - but Lakamp also points out the changes to the DWI law regarding the breath or blood test of .18% or higher - that triggers the aggravated vehicular assault or manslaughter charges and involve reckless driving, and again they don't have to prove criminal negligence.

Kudos to prosecutors like Lynn Reda in the D.A.'s office (I met her last week for the first time, and let me tell you she's dedicated to her job and to prosecuting DWI offenders to the fullest extent of the law) who are working tirelessly and quickly prosecuting DWI cases in our area.

As Lakamp clearly states in the article, fewer cases are slipping through the cracks or being given plea deals to less severe charges.

I am very impressed that cases that have taken months to get to the D.A.'s office are now taking just a week. What a difference.

As someone who fights against DWI in the community, I am happy to say that things are changing in our courtrooms, but we still have a long way to go, so the fight continues. If you'd like to contribute to this fight and to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. mark your calendar for August 9. That's when we'll be hosting the CAID Softball Tournament in West Seneca. Click here for more information.

Deanna

Eyewitness at a STOP DWI Checkpoint

2008-07-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

We've heard about them on the news, some of us have driven through them in the past, but do you really know what goes on at a STOP DWI checkpoint?

I was able to witness one (actually two that went on simultaneously) first-hand on Friday night in the town of Evans. 17 officers from various departments - Tonawanda, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Erie County Sheriff's, and the State Police set up checkpoints on either side of the Sunset Bay bars.

It was an interesting thing to observe to say the least. For one, there's a very important procedure to follow (or the court case could be endangered) - so all officers were briefed on what to do, say, etc. at the beginning of the night. As drivers pulled through the checkpoint, they were informed of the purpose of the checkpoint, asked if they had been drinking, and most were allowed to pass.

Officers did pull over several cars and made several arrests, and I was able to witness a few of them. I can't get into the exact details of what happened here, but let's just say in some of the cases what began as a DWI arrest ended with a few more charges for the driver.

For me, this checkpoint was a step forward in better understanding the police officer's role in fighting DWI. Yes, arrests were made, but it's not yet clear how many of those arrested will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The next step is the court case, where the judge makes the final call on what will happen.

A special thank you to all the officers and STOP DWI who extended a warm welcome to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. It was a long night for yours truly, but well worth it. Not too many people get to observe something like this, and I appreciated the experience.

Deanna

What is a CRT?

2008-07-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I learned what a DWI Crash Response Team (CRT) is. This team is made up of specially trained officers who respond to serious injury or fatal DWI crashes. They diagram a crash scene using a Total Station. Their primary focus is to gather evidence and witness accounts so prosecuters can more accurately do their job. The team is made up of three people - two members operated the Total Station, or TS, while the third, the principal investigator folows up, verifies witness accounts and briefs the District Attorney's office. They are men and women who have seen the worst crash scenes and we need more of them.

On Friday, STOP DWI of Erie County held a briefing for area police to better understand what a CRT is and the necessity for more training. Some of the departments who currently have CRTs include West Seneca, Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Amherst, Erie County Sheriff's and the NY State Police. The Buffalo police department has the Total Station, but officers haven't yet been trained on how to use it. There are still several WNY police departments who need the training to get CRTs in their area.

Mike Summers is a member of the Erie County Sheriff's Crash Response Team. He said the key to this team is being able to investigate without shutting down major highways. How does the Total Station work? According to Summers, the computer system helps with the math equations so they can more accurately investigate - for example - the exact speed the car was traveling at the time of the crash. It also has a surveying tool that draws a center line, incorporates that into the computer and draws out the crash scene, the locations of the cars, and all the evidence.

Lynn Reda is an Assistant District Attorney and heads up the Vehicular Crimes Bureau. She spoke of one court case where the CRT team responded and the grand jury was so impressed by the testimony of the investigating officer that they applauded in court. Reda calls it a "wonderful tool" and says not only does it make the criminal case easiser, but it also makes a difference in the civil lawsuit as well. In many cases, the insurance companies are more likely to pay the family because these reports are so complicated and they don't want to spend the time it takes to go through all the details.

In the end, the people who benefit most from the Crash Response Team are the victims and victims' families. The CRT gives them more piece of mind that a thorough investigation was done and that everything that can be done is being done. A CRT did not investigate my sister's crash, and I'm sure that a more extensive report would have answered many of our questions that were left unanswered.

I applaud STOP DWI and local police departments for these efforts because it's things like CRTs that will help investigate and hopefully prevent future crashes.

Deanna

Good News! Bracelets Appear to Be Working

2008-07-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Often I get discouraged when I read about drinking and driving in the newspaper. It's often stories like crashes or accidents - some deadly - and they are preventable.

Today I'm happy to report there's some good news regarding DWI in today's Buffalo News. The bracelets that chronic drunk drivers had to wear as part of their sentence are working in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In case you're not familiar with these bracelets, they measure alcohol through the skin and take a reading at least once an hour. The program is paid for through grants. Some of these offenders are coming from the county's newly established DWI court. I also agree with this concept, a specially designed court - established primarily to deal with drinking and driving.

According to Patrick Lakamp's article in this morning's Buffalo News:

None of the 61 offenders was arrested again for drunken driving during the program’s first year in Buffalo and Niagara Falls courtrooms. Only a handful tampered with the monitoring device or were caught consuming alcohol.

Offenders:

• Tampered with the bracelets or failed to show up in court six times.

• Failed four drug tests out of 215 given.

• Fully passed unannounced breath tests during probation home visits.

• Showed up at 95 percent of 1,007 scheduled individual treatment visits and 2,420 group counseling sessions.

• Attended 3,330 support group meetings sponsored by Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or some other group.

I couldn't be happier to see that most of these DWI offenders are following the rules of the bracelets, and I'm even more pleased that more towns are following the lead set by the two cities. Lackawanna, Tonawanda, and Lockport are all set to start the program in 2009, and Jamestown, Dunkirk, and Batavia will be following their lead later next year.

I agree with Erie County STOP DWI coordinator John Sullivan that these DWI offenders are being watched and monitored even though they're not in jail. I wonder if the offender who killed Karen was a part of this program ten years ago, perhaps that crash would have never happened.

Deanna

Too Drunk to Walk, Let Alone Too Drunk to Drive

2008-07-03T15:49:00.001-07:00

This Niagara Falls man is a prime example of the kind of person we are working to keep off our roads. Not only is he too drunk to drive, but police describe him as too drunk to walk. Here's the link to the article. Check out the charges that he faces: felony driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence of drugs, leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of having alcohol in a vehicle, reckless driving, failure to keep right and driving without insurance.

Wonder why he doesn't have insurance? Prior DWIs perhaps?

Enough of my opinion.

We are working to keep our roads safe.

Deanna

Playing Games With Teens' Emotions or a Unique Way to Scare Kids Straight?

2008-06-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

When I visited schools in Western New York this spring to tell them Karen's story, there were quite a few tears. Some shed by me as I shared the emotions of what my family and I have been through in the past 10 years, and some more shed by students in the audience who could relate to something I said. In my presentation, I go through the entire experience of
March 6, 1998 - what it was like being told that my only sister was killed by a drunk driver.

In a California high school last month, police officers visited 20 classrooms with news that several students were killed in car wrecks. Kids became hysterical. Hours later they were told that it was all an exercise designed to "scare kids straight" about drinking and driving. School officials have come under criticism for the tactics they used.

One Buffalo News reader in Orchard Park felt firmly objected to the tactic.

What do I think as a "crusader" against drunk driving? I have mixed emotions on what these CA administrators did. While I agree with the Orchard Park reader that they toyed with the kids emotions, I do know that sometimes teens just don't hear the message. Assembly after assembly this prom season I would see some kids leaving with a look on their faces that they still believed that they are invincible, thinking perhaps "even though Karen was killed, it won't happen to me". Perhaps telling students that their classmates were killed in crashes was the only way school leaders could get the message across. Will it save lives? Perhaps.

What I've been saying all along, is if I can impact one person sitting in each of those assemblies, it will be worth it. These school officials probably left a lasting impression on a lot of students.

Feel free to post comments to this blog if you agree or disagree.

Until next time...
Deanna

Deanna & Jen Go to the Prom

2008-06-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

It's been 15 years since my prom. Hard to believe that it's been that long. Last night, I went back to the prom.

Why? A few months ago, when Jennifer Stehlar (Mrs. New York American Beauty 2008) and I talked about pre-prom assemblies, and getting the word out about the dangers of drinking and driving, I suggested going to the prom to give kids another reminder of the dangers of DWI right there at the event itself. Iroquois Central High School agreed, and last night Jen and I went to the prom!

The prom was held at the Hyatt in downtown Buffalo. We set up a table, I brought Karen's picture, and we encouraged teens to sign a "pre-prom" promise, pledging not to drink and drive and encouraging others to do the same. I am happy to say we collected 50 signatures from teens, and I was very pleased to see a few people signing the pledge without encouragement from Jen and I - they took the pledge on their own. We are proud of each and every signature received at the event, and Iroquois students really are a "great group of kids".

We enjoyed a delicious dinner with Iroquois faculty, and soon afterwards posed for our official prom picture. After a little coaxing from me, Jen and I stepped onto the dance floor and had a great time dancing up a storm! We even helped crown the royal court - prom princess, prom queen, etc. for the event. It was a pleasure being part of last night's special event for Iroquois seniors.

I've attached several pictures from the prom to this blog, and my second blog on Buffalo.com/YourHub has more observations on how times have changed since my prom.

A special thank you to Jenn, Iroquois Principal Dennis Kenney, Trooper DePlato, Jeff Toy, and many others who made the night so memorable.

Deanna

Teaching Teens a Lesson in O.P.

2008-06-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Today was "Senior Day" at Orchard Park High School, and it began with a very serious message. Teens were taken outside and witnessed a mock car crash, right outside their high school gym.
Orchard Park's SADD chapter, Orchard Park Police, local firefighters, and Mercy Flight all participated in the staged accident. Two cars were involved and a third mini-van actually exploded.

Five teens were involved in the mock crash. Both teen drivers were driving under the influence - one under the influence of alcohol and the other had drugs in his system. It was a fatal wreck, so Orchard Park's seniors actually witnessed one of their classmates being put in a body bag.

It was emotionally jarring for me. I've seen plenty of these re-enactments on TV, but up close, and seeing the wreckage and police and fire crews rescuing the victims brought me back to my sister's crash 10 years ago.

Here's a link to WIVB-TV's news story on the mock crash.

I was at the school to work the mock crash into a video project I'm producing with STOP DWI of Erie County, before my presentation to seniors for their assembly. I also interviewed police, a prosecutor and volunteer firefighters for that project.

Following the mock crash, seniors were taken into the auditorium to see the teens charged and placed in jail on video. Orchard Park Police Officer Patrick Fitzgerald and Assistant District Attorney Brian Parker then talked to students about the dangers of DWI, before I told them Karen's story.

Teens were very attentive and I was impressed by the response. It was the first opportunity for Garrett, my brother-in-law, who's also a senior at O.P. to hear Karen's story, and I was glad he was able to hear the presentation.

A special thank you to O.P. for their generous donation to Crusade Against Impaired Driving. Another thank you to Larry Goble for organizing the mock crash and assembly and Don Lorentz, who helped with the video project this morning.

Deanna

Talking to Teens and Feedback!

2008-05-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

Since mid-April, I have spoken at several schools. There were assemblies at the Gow School, Alden Central, Pioneer Central and Eden Central. Yesterday and today I spoke at five health classes at JFK High School. Sometimes teens ask questions and come up to talk to me afterwards telling me their personal stories, or how something I said impacted them. There are many other times when I don't get the feedback, and I'm left wondering if what I said made a difference.

Today after the final of five health class presentations at JFK, a young lady said to me "Just wanted you to know that what you said touched me". I gave her a hug, and I thought it made the emotional outpouring worth it. Then just a couple hours ago, this comment was posted on my last blog:

You spoke at my high school just yesterday and I thought every word you said was moving. Your story, and how you kept saying that things would never be the same and its still a daily issue, just makes your story even more moving. I saw that the whole presentation you were shaking uncontrollably. I want you to know that I spoke with a few people about that class and people said that you changed their minds about how they should handle prom and that they should be smart...about getting desgnated drivers and driving careful as well. You definatley did not go up there and pour your heart out for nothing...me being a sophomore in highschool, i will remember you always and your expirience, and know that my desicions can effect so many other people besides me. I'm a compassionate person and I hate even thinking that I've hurt someone. I really want to express how greatful I am that you spoke to us.

-Amanda.
pitygirl@msn.com

Thank you Amanda, thanks for listening, thanks for taking the time to post this comment, and thanks for hopefully thinking twice when it comes to drinking and driving.

Deanna

Reaching Out To Teens

2008-05-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Donn Esmonde's column on my presentation was published in this morning's Buffalo News. It was very well-written and makes a very good point about the need to educate young people about the dangers of drinking and driving.

I have spoken at six high schools so far this spring, and have at least five scheduled in the upcoming weeks. I know that I can't reach all the teens in each assembly or classroom, but if I impact just one or a few and make them think twice about the dangers of drinking and driving, then I can say mission accomplished.

One of my major obstacles is the high price of gas these days. Alden Central High School and Pioneer Central High School are both more than 30 miles away from my home. If you'd like to donate to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, and help, click on the PayPal icon on this website, or send donations to P.O. Box 21, Lake View, NY 14085.

Thanks again and here's hoping for a safe and sober prom and graduation season,

Deanna

Talking To Teens & The Road to Recovery

2008-05-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'd like to begin this blog with some good news. I am finally feeling a little bit better - three weeks after the car accident. The neck and back pain is easing up, and the physical therapy (three times a week!) is working. I'm breathing a sigh of relief, and hoping I continue to improve from this point.

With prom season here, I have been busy telling Karen's story to various groups of young people. From the young men at the Gow School to driver's ed classes at Williamsville South to health classes at Cleve-Hill High School in Cheektowaga, and today a pre-prom assembly at Alden High School...many eyes are being opened to the dangers of drinking and driving.

One of the students at Cleve-Hill brought out her cell phone during my presentation, and I thought it was unusual, and a little rude, but I didn't say anything. Afterwards, she came up to me and said, "I texted my sister to say 'I love you'". I smiled. One thing that I've learned from my sister's crash, is that life is short, and you should tell people how you feel about them, how much you love them before it's too late.

Today at Alden, a girl came up to me with tears in her eyes, and said she too lost a sibling, her brother. He wasn't killed in a car crash, but was very sick and died too soon. She said what I said brought tears to her eyes. I gave her a hug.

A special thank you to the teens at Cleve-Hill and Alden High School for their donations to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc.

Coming soon...two Buffalo News reporters were in the audience for today's assembly at Alden. Donn Esmonde's column is expected to be published Sunday, and Emma Sapong's article will also be printed soon. I will post links in this blog.

We are working on....getting video of my presentation put on karenscrusade.org, making plans for an upcoming fundraiser - it's a softball tournament that will be held in West Seneca on Saturday, August 9. I am looking for volunteers to help organize this event and I'm looking to recruit teams too. Feel free to email me at info@karenscrusade.org to learn more.

Deanna

Sharing Karen's Story with WNY Schools & Good News

2008-05-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing can stop me now...the neck and back pain that I'm dealing with following my recent car accident is not stopping me from taking Karen's story to schools this spring.

Last Wednesday evening, I spoke to the young men at the Gow School in South Wales. It was a very attentive audience, and the teens had many interesting questions. I was joined by
Mrs. New York 2008, Jennifer Stehlar who assisted me with my PowerPoint, and also shared with the students her personal experiences and why she has taken on a safe driving platform. Jennifer also snapped a few pictures that I've attached to this blog. A special thank you to The Gow School for their very generous donation to Crusade Against Impaired Driving.

This week, on Monday and Tuesday, I spoke to Tim Joy's driver's education classes at Williamsville South High School. On Tuesday, I was joined by Beth Obad, the president of
Erie County's MADD chapter. The students also donated to CAID - thanks.

Tomorrow and Monday, I'll be speaking to health classes at Cleve-Hill High School. My friend Cindy is joining me tomorrow, and next Friday I'm headed to Alden.

CAID got good news and even better news in the last week.

We are officially a 501C3 non-profit organization! Any donations made to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. are now tax deductible.

Last week, I received a very nice letter from Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. He was not able to make it to the candlelight vigil in March, but applauded my efforts to stop drunk driving in the community: " "Your hard work, the support you have gathered thus far, and the organization's mission will not only educate and create awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, but
will bolster our memory of Karen as well."

That's all I have for now...I'll be blogging again soon.

Deanna

The "accordion" and what I'll do differently next time

2008-04-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

It was something I won't forget. All those years I spoke about my sister's crash, now I was the accident victim.

Screeching of the tires as I tried to brake and the sound of my car crashing into the car in front of me. Then as people rushed over to check and see if I was ok, I stared at the hood of the car. It looked like an accordion. Smashed up...

The EMTs put me on a backboard and I kept telling them "I don't think I'm seriously hurt", this isn't necessary. Their reply: "It's a precaution - just in case". I was making phone calls from the ambulance on the way to Mercy Hospital - to my husband and to my friend to take care of the errand I was headed to.

At the same time, I was shaking like a leaf, feeling the "pins and needles" sensation through my fingers and toes, hoping it would all go away soon.

I was taken to "fast track" - the emergency room at Mercy Hospital. Luckily, no serious injuries, a "negative" on the xray, and within a couple hours, sent home with a soft neck cast...just in case.

It could have been worse, that's what I keep telling myself. I was using a handsfree cell phone device when the crash happened. I should have been paying closer attention to the road. Could have, should have, and so much guilt.

Now I have neck and back pains that make it very uncomfortable to sit up straight. Now, because of the accident, my husband and I have to find another car.

I am learning a hard lesson here - that as busy as I am - rushing from here to there - and trying to do so much at once - that it may be too much.

No more multi-tasking behind the wheel, I'm learning to drive safer and take less chances behind the wheel.

Crusade Against Impaired Driving was established to fight drunk driving in the community, but I'm also an advocate of driving safely sober. I was wearing my seat belt, but it's time to pay closer attention to the road, other drivers, etc.

Lesson learned.

Deanna

Driving Drunk: Results of Study Are Disturbing

2008-04-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

A study was just published by the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration that I find very interesting and disturbing at the same time.

15% of drivers nationwide have admitted to driving under the influence at least once in the past year from 2004-2006. Startling...that means more people are putting their lives and innocent lives on the road with them in jeopardy each day and night.

Which state has the worst drunk driving rate? Wisconsin tops the list...so I fear for people in the "Dairy State". More than a quarter of the state's adult drivers had driven under the influence. Rounding out the worst five are North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. Apparently this is a trend in the midwest.

Utah had the lowest incidence of drunken driving. It was the only state where fewer than 10 percent of adult motorists reported driving under the influence. West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky and North Carolina all had drunken driving rates for the prior year of less than 11 percent.

Where does New York rate in the study? Somewhere in the middle - 12.42% to 13.81% admit to driving under the influence. That's still too high of a rate in my opinion. It would be nice if
New York would rate at the bottom of the list. It's wishful thinking at this point, but something that I'd like to see change very soon.

With so many innocent lives on the road each day, it's very scary to me that people continue to make the choice to drink and drive and put so many lives in jeopardy each day. My sister and all those innocent victims is the reason why I continue to speak out against drunk driving, and why I work to change the mindset in the community.

Celebrities Busted

2008-04-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

I actually have two blogs that I try to regularly maintain. One on this site and another on Buffalo.com/YourHub.

Click here to read my blog on Carmelo Anthony and Richie Sambora being arrested on drunk driving charges. I welcome all comments.

Deanna

Midnight Muncheez & Hopefully Keeping Drunks Off the Road

2008-04-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's the first thing many partiers think of after a night of drinking - finding a good place for a late night bite to eat, after all drinking alcohol leads to a "snack attack". Too often that means driving when you are too buzzed or drunk to be on the road.

Now a California business called "Midnight Muncheez" is offering a late night delivery service as a better option. They deliver food, beverages, party supplies and even toiletries, which I find a little strange. Why? In an effort to curb the number of drunk drivers in that community. Last year, there were 1,562 DUI arrests made in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, that's compared to 3,216 in Erie County in 2006. The Newport Beach Police Department supports the mission of the company. As they should, both the police and Midnight Muncheez are trying to keep the drunks off the road.

I think it's a great idea - and something a local business owner here should look into. There are certain areas of the city where it would be a huge success - around the local college campuses for example - Buff State, the Elmwood Avenue area, or even UB South campus - around Main Street. My mission is to keep the drunks off the road, and if that means feeding them by bringing food to their apartments or homes, then I'm all for it.

Deanna

A Letter to Karen

2008-04-02T17:11:00.001-07:00

It's hard to put my emotions into words tonight. Ten years ago your life was taken too soon, and here it is almost your birthday. It's supposed to be a happy and joyous occasion. Instead, mom, dad, and I...and all your friends and family will be thinking of you and probably shedding tears.

You would be 29 years old, and I can't help but wonder what if. What if you weren't killed by a drunk driver? Maybe you would be married, maybe you'd have kids, maybe you'd be a successful trainer on a sports team somewhere.

I can't help but wonder how our relationship might have grown. We were just starting to get close. We were emailing each other, and really appreciating each other for what we were....sisters.

You were so close to your friends...and so many of them miss you. Sara is preparing to get married, Tara named her little girl after you, Jackie has *5* kids and thinks of you often. Katie keeps your picture in a special place in her home.

Sometimes it just doesn't seem real. There's still a piece of me who's expecting to wake up from this nightmare any moment. I think that one day I will hear your voice again, one day I may see you at my door again, one day I may hear you laugh or say "Dee" again. Then realism sets in. No, you're never going to do any of that again, because you were stolen away from us. You were killed by someone who was careless and didn't care about his actions, he didn't care about who he hurt when he got intoxicated and drove head on into the car you were riding in.

I've been robbed of you - my little sister - "doubles" . A drunk driver ripped you away from us, and now I'm fighting to make sure other families don't have to go through the same pain.

I love you Karen.

Happy Birthday,

Deanna

Judges, DWI, and One Who Appears To Be Making a Difference

2008-03-30T12:22:00.001-07:00

Too often in WNY and in cities and towns across the country, police make DWI arrests, and then the justice system brings everything to a screeching halt. Judges are not always focused on the dangers drunk drivers pose to innocent victims.

In the case surrounding my sister's death, the man convicted in the case had at least two prior DWI convictions. Earlier that day he was even pulled over for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Too often, people charged with DWI offenses are repeat offenders and they commit the crime multiple times before they are 1-pulled over or 2-face serious repurcussions. Instead, the charges are "knocked down" or reduced.

Four years ago, when Deborah Chimes was appointed town justice in Orchard Park, she became the first female justice in town history. That's impressive enough, but what caught my eye is that since she took office, Chimes instated the National Safety Council Driver Improvement Program. That program helps people who are found guilty of driving while intoxicated get into anti-DWI programs even if they can't afford treatment. Now Chimes is running for re-election. As someone who fights DWI in this community, it's nice to see a judge who is focused on keeping impaired drivers off the road.

Deanna

Woman Plows Into 200 Year Old House

2008-03-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

It stood on a Staten Island street corner for more than 200 years, but it couldn't withstand the force of a crash caused by an alleged drunk driver. Police say a 21 year old woman with a BAC of .15 is responsible for the crash.

My take on this story? I agree with the young eyewitness who saw it all. "There was no way she could have driven the car."

She was drinking for four straight hours?! I'm surprised her BAC wasn't higher than .15.

She was lucky that she didn't hurt or kill anyone, though she did damage a historic building. Hopefully this was a wake-up call.

Deanna

They should do this in WNY schools

2008-03-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

As we start to schedule school presentations to educate teens about the dangers of drunk driving this prom season, our mission to stop this dangerous crime is heightened. Hopefully hundreds of students will hear Karen's story and see a PowerPoint presentation to hear how real people are impacted by this tragic crime.

There's a high school in New Mexico that's doing things a little differently. I think that bringing the courtroom into the classroom is a fantastic idea. This is something schools in our area should consider. I do think that this should be followed with a victim's story as well. This way students can see how the courts treat drunk drivers and then how real people's lives are impacted.

The more teenagers hear about the dangers of alcohol and how the combination of drinking and driving is so deadly the better.

Deanna

Celebrating St. Paddy's Day & Staying Safe

2008-03-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

It's one of the first things people think about when they think of St. Patrick's Day celebrations - drinking a beer. After all, it's an Irish custom to have a drink when you party.

Personally, I'm not against drinking, whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or any other special occasion. It's when you combine that one, two, three or more beers with a vehicle that I have a problem. My sister Karen was an innocent victim of someone who did just that, someone who drank alcohol and drove home and slammed into the car she was riding in at 55 MPH. Karen was killed almost instantly. Too many innocent lives are taken each day by people who don't think before they drink and drive.

There are ways to wear green, celebrate "St. Paddy's Day", and stay safe this holiday. Think before you drink. Call a cab, designate a driver (who won't drink with his friends) to make sure everyone gets home safe, or even call a friend if you know that you're too buzzed to drive.

Have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day, and think first before you drink. Make the right choice and don't drink and drive.

Thanks,

Deanna

Please stay safe this

Emotions & Vigilance

2008-03-07T19:19:00.002-08:00

I started planning the "Remembering Karen" Candlelight Vigil months ago. It started with a few thoughts at that time and last night it tranformed into a memorable event.

Emotions ran high as we all remembered Karen and others lost in drunk driving crashes, yet the many in attendance shared the same mindset that I have - the time for change is now.
Crusade Against Impaired Driving was started to ensure that other families do not have to suffer the way my family and I have suffered over the past decade.

As it was in our lives, the music from last night's event was an important part of the program, and I carefully selected each song. Here are links to all four songs that were played at the event.

"Precious Child"
"Who you'd be today"
"Remember Me This Way"
"MyHeart Will Go On"

As mementos of the evening, everyone in attendance walked away with a prayer card and a bookmark.

Not only did I get an overwhelming amount of emotional support at last night's event...the financial support of everyone, both friends and strangers, was amazing as well. Many opened up their wallets to support our organization, and to everyone I say thank you. Remember that all donations to Crusade Against Impaired Driving, Inc. stay in this community.

Where will this money go? First, money raised will go to support educating people in this community about the dangers of DWI. School presentations are being planned for pre-prom assemblies. We will also soon begin work on a DWI announcement to work into school announcements at area schools. I'll provide more updates on both of these programs right here. More programs will be planned in the future. We also plan to provide victim services to those impacted by drunk driving, this is a need currently not being filled in this community.

Thank you for all your support and for helping to make the candlelight vigil a success.

Deanna

10 Years Ago

2008-03-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow will mark 10 years since Karen was torn out of our lives. Friends, family, classmates, and the community will be coming together to remember a young life that was cut short.

The event will be one to remember Karen and all victims of drunk driving crashes. The goal of the evening is to remember and to pledge to change the mindset so more people understand the dangers of drinking and driving.

The location has been changed to St. John the Evangelist Church from the original location (Cazenovia Park) due to the weather. St. John's is on Seneca Street, within a few steps of where the crash happened on March 6, 1998. The vigil will begin at 7pm.

If anyone has any questions about the event, please email me through the website.

Hope to see you there...

Deanna

Finding the right song

2008-02-24T17:44:00.000-08:00

In about a week and a half, friends, family, strangers, and anyone who's lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash will be gathering on one night for the "Remembering Karen" Candlelight Vigil at Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo.
For me, it's been several weeks of work, all for a good cause of course. After all, if I didn't love my sister and think about her and the tragic loss daily, I wouldn't be working as hard as I do to fight drunk driving. As for the event, there have been sponsors to recruit, a public access system to acquire power for, recruiting volunteers, lining up the speakers, working on the program, and getting the word out to everyone in the community. Without the help of friends and family, I wouldn't have been able to do as much as I have.

One of the things that I'm trying to do tonight is pick the right song to fit the occasion. How do you pick the right words to sum up so many emotions that many will be feeling on that night 10 years after Karen was killed? How do you pick just the right lyrics that will make everyone think of their loved one who was tragically lost in such a preventable crime?

I'm headed back to the search for the perfect song now...so wish me luck!

Thanks,

Deanna

Man drove home with victim lodged in windshield

2008-02-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

In Wisconsin, a man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he drove home with one victim lodged in his windshield, the other person he hit was seriously hurt and is now in a nursing home.

Read more by clicking on this link: http://www.buffalonews.com/nationalworld/national/story/277492.html

His BAC was .18 - 6 hours after the crash, it makes you wonder what it was when he struck those two innocent people.

Each time I see an article like this it gives me more motivation to continue the fight against DWI.

Always remembering the innocent lives impacted by DWI-related crashes,

Deanna

Beer strapped in, baby not

2008-02-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

This story disgusted me when I heard it on The Today Show this morning.

Police in St. Augustine, Florida charged a 46 year old woman after they say a 24-pack of beer was buckled up, but a 16 month old child riding in the back seat with her mother, was not properly restrained.

Here's a link to the article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/bizarre/5516701.html

Ridiculous.

Deanna

Preparing for the vigil

2008-02-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

In a little more than a month, family, friends, classmates, and many others will come together in Cazenovia Park on Seneca Street to remember Karen 10 years after her death during the "Remembering Karen" Candlelight Vigil. This event will be held on March 6th at 7:00 and is also being held to remember all those people who like Karen and our family, have been impacted by drunk driving crashes.

Karen's friends will talk about how their lives have changed since the crash and others will also talk about how their lives have been impacted by DWI-related crashes.

Preparations are underway to purchase supplies. That's why we're calling on local businesses to help with the costs of this event.

Keep checking this blog for more updates as the vigil draws closer.

Thanks,

Deanna

Edwards' daughter in a drunk driving crash

2008-01-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Presidential candidate John Edwards' daughter, Cate, was involved in a drunk driving crash last week.

Here are a couple links to the news stories:

http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/01/14/john-edwards-daughter-ok-after-car-crash/

http://www.newsobserver.com/264/story/879731.html

It makes you wonder if this will impact the candidate's stance on drinking and driving. Some say it takes happening to a public figure, or someone from his family, before mindsets change.

You'll recall that Edwards' son Wade died in a car accident.

My opinion on this? Drunk driving crashes too often impact innocent lives. That appears what Cate Edwards was here, thank goodness she's ok.

Welcome to the blog on Karen's Crusade

2008-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first blog entry on karenscrusade.org. This blog will be used as a way to communicate regarding issues connected to impaired driving, DWI news stories, and everything that's going on with the organization.

Now for more on a tragedy that occurs too often on the nation's roads. On Sunday, a drunk driver with a BAC that was more than three times the legal limit, killed a woman and four children.
Here's a link to the article .
http://www.newsobserver.com/2188/story/853643.html

How awful for that family - all those kids and that young woman dead, all due to one individual's bad decision. After all, it's a choice to drink and drive. It's stories like this that keep me going as I continue to raise awareness about the dangers of DWI on our roads.

Have a happy and safe 2008 and do not drink and drive,

Deanna