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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Deanna

She's not above the law

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

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

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

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

Deanna

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

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

What was he thinking? Was he thinking at all?

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

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

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

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

Deanna

Not all DWI victims are killed

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

This happened within a few miles of my house.

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

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

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

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

Deanna

Volunteers Wanted!

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

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

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

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

Thank you,


Deanna Russo

Barkley Charged with DUI

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

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


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

Until next time...

Deanna

Orphans and Hit & Run

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.