Why We're Here: Daniel Riemann
By
MADD
|
May 3, 2012
|
Filed in:
Drunk Driving
,
Victim Services
,
Victim Stories
Daniel Riemann was a 25-year-old outgoing, “people-person” with an amazing laugh. Daniel had recently graduated from Kansas University and was just promoted to manager of the retail store where he worked. He had his whole life ahead of him with a very promising future.
After hanging out at a friend’s house after work, Daniel was walking in a crosswalk in the Kansas City town square, when he was struck by a drunk driver. The driver fled the scene, leaving Daniel helpless. Several hours passed before anyone found him or called an ambulance, and when they arrived on the scene Daniel was already dead. This happened early in the morning on Sunday, May, 11, 2008—Mother’s Day.
The Riemanns had an annual Mother’s Day tradition; the family would get together for lunch at Red Lobster. Since Daniel wasn’t sure if he would be able to make the Mother’s Day lunch that year because of work, he gave his grandmother the Mother’s Day card he wrote for his mother to give her at lunch. By the time she opened it, Daniel was gone.
While the Riemanns were at their Mother’s Day lunch, police were still trying to determine Daniel’s identification. He had left his wallet and I.D. in his car. His family thought he was at work, so the fact that he didn’t show up for lunch was not surprising; there was no reason to be alarmed or to start looking for him. They were notified later that afternoon that their beloved son and brother had died after being struck by an underage drunk driver leaving a graduation party.
Daniel was the oldest of four siblings, but was also very close to his extended family. Family and friends were very important to Daniel, and at his memorial services friends from all over the world came to celebrate his life by telling funny stories and memories of their friend.
Now Mother’s Day has a very different meaning for Kelly Riemann, Daniel’s mother. Each year she does something to honor her son, like bracelets or bumper stickers, for everyone who knew and loved Daniel.
This Mother’s Day, we honor Kelly and Daniel Riemann, as well as all others who lost a mother or a child to drunk driving or underage drinking.
Light a Virtual Candle for Victims/Survivors
By
MADD
|
April 24, 2012
|
Filed in:
Victim Services
In honor of National Crimes Victims’ Rights Week, we are asking everyone to take part in our online tribute, and light a virtual candle in honor of a loved one who was killed or injured in a drunk driving crash.
Why a tribute:
- It is an easy way to honor or remember someone dear to you, and at the same time contribute to MADD’s work. In 2010 alone, MADD served a victim or survivor of drunk driving every nine minutes.
- It allows you to tell your story about your loved one and why you are supporting MADD.
- It allows you to raise awareness about the importance of eliminating drunk driving.
Participate in our online tribute now by lighting your virtual candle.
2012 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
By
MADD
|
April 23, 2012
|
Filed in:
Victim Services
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has challenged the nation to extend its vision of crime victims’ rights, while providing services to reach every victim of crime.
MADD celebrates this important week by honoring the advocates who help our organization serve one victim every nine minutes. Across the country, our trained Victim Advocates provide vital support to individuals affected by drunk and drugged driving.
This year’s theme, Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim, aligns perfectly with MADD’s goal to serve more victims of drunk and drugged driving, but to do this, we need more volunteer victim advocates. You can help by becoming a MADD Victim Advocate or by spreading the word about MADD's victim support services.
You can also support crime victims by helping to protect VOCA funding by contacting your lawmakers today. Assisting crime victims is a critical service and VOCA provides a reasonable, fair and cost effective way to assist Americans in their hour of need.
If you are a victim, call MADD's 24/7 Victim/Survivor Support Line at 1-877-MADD-HELP (877-623-3435) to speak with a victim advocate at no cost, or send us an email at victims@madd.org.
National Volunteer Week
By
MADD
|
April 18, 2012
|
Filed in:
General
Volunteers are the heart and soul of MADD. It is their compassion and determination that drives the organization and it is their tireless efforts that have accomplished so much. This week, April 15-21, is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize the contributions of MADD’s incredible volunteers.
We are so grateful for each and every one of our volunteers and the work that they do. MADD would not be successful without their dedication, support and generosity.
If you already volunteer for MADD, we would love to hear about your experience. Please tell us why you volunteer for MADD on our Facebook page.
If not, there’s a place for you at MADD. Whether you’re interested in volunteering a couple of time a year or a couple of times a week, we have a wide variety of opportunities to match your interests and expertise. Fill out our online form to get started.
