Surprising Inspiration
By Jan Withers | August 18, 2011 | Filed in: General , National President , Victim Services

I am always uplifted when spending time with victim advocates. This week I was privileged to attend the NOVA, National Organization for Victims Assistance, Conference in Philadelphia. The presentations were energizing as well as educational. The true benefit was being able to share precious moments with MADD victim advocates from around the country who were able to attend the conference. There were about 10 of us, including Debbie Weir, MADD's Vice President of Victim Services and COO. Every one of these individuals exudes kindness as well as expertise. They radiate joy as well as peace. Each of them has a quiet "knowing" about them. Some have lived the experiences of victimization themselves and others are simply those wonderful souls that care and "get it" and stand by others who are victimized. The photos are of our MADD victim advocates.

The last morning I attended a class that filled my spirit. The guest speaker was Melissa Lucchesi, who shared her story of being a survivor of not one, but two rapes, six and a half years apart. She was testament to the power of the personal story. In addition to hearing her story, though, she was amazing to watch, as she wove her experiences, how she felt, how she reacted, and how she overcame. Her vulnerability was palpable and yet her strength filled the room. She was so real and she was so inspiring. One could hear her agony in her voice and her words, yet in those very same breaths, one could hear her determination and feel her power. She was able to invite her listeners into her world and allow us to be part of her experiences.

Melissa began with a quote that continues to help her on her journey. "Don't let the tragedy be the end of your story."

Melissa's story of survival can be applied to all types of victimization and that is why I share it with you. She relayed that counseling has been very helpful and continues in it today. That was not enough, though, and so she sought other methods as she moved forward in her healing. She relayed that reading memoirs of others who had similar experiences were very helpful to her - she no longer felt alone,that she was the only person with the reactions she was having. She enjoyed healing retreats and began running for physical release. She trained for a half marathon, sharing that she has a love-hate relationship with running. She appreciates it because she has to focus on it, which helps push out all the negative emotions related to her victimization.

Melissa says that "being a survivor means struggling every single day to live life fully, but not forgetting the trauma." As she shared these thoughts, the weight of what it took for her to again live life fully was actually visible. Melissa began an organization to help others who share similar experiences. It is called Voices, Incorporated. I encourage you to visit her website. She takes her peaceful power, reaches out, and invites others to join her.

Melissa quoted Maya Angelou as she closed, "The greatest agony is holding an untold story inside." Melissa shares her story to not only empower herself but to empower others. She indeed empowered me to continue to share my story in the hope of saving lives.

Thank you, Melissa.

Warmly, Jan Withers
National MADD President

DADSS Turning Cars Into the Cure for Drunk Driving
By Jan Withers | August 15, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving , National President

Hope. I love that word. I cherish the concept. I treasure the feeling. There were so many days after my daughter was killed by a drunk driver that I felt buried in the dark hole of despair, when I could see no possibility of light. It was a difficult climb to the surface, one I could never have made on my own. One person who held the light on for me until I could see it myself was my MADD victim advocate, always there to care, listen, and support.

Anger also accompanied my despair. I was furious with our society. How could we allow this violent crime to exist? It is so preventable. It is so unnecessary. I became vocal, actively participating with MADD to get "tougher" laws, believing that would become a deterrent so more folks would decide to drive sober or have a sober designated driver. Sadly, after a few years I became disheartened. The number of America's family members killed by drunk driving stayed relatively the same. My hope was waning. In fact, I was downright discouraged.

Some people continue to drive drunk because they can. Interestingly, because all the education and deterrents and punishments do not seem to stop the drunks from driving, we now have the development of advanced technology that will turn the cars into the cure.

Today my hope is renewed. We are living in the time when the vaccine to this horrible disease of drunk driving and the destruction it leaves in its path is being created and tested. Right now....as you read this....it is happening!

JT Griffin, MADD's Senior Vice-President of Public Policy, and I recently were privileged to visit the laboratory where it is being researched in Boston. Bud Zaouk (the gentleman with the dark hair you see in the photos) graciously educated and escorted us through the facility. It was inspiring.

The technology is called Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS. It is a technology that will integrate a passive sensor into the vehicle, being able to detect the precise amount of alcohol in the driver's system. If that driver is at or above the legal limit of 0.08 BAC, the car simply will not start, or be driveable. The performance specifications are set at an extremely high level. It must perform absolutely accurately, precisely, reliably and work in a very short time (millisecond). This is now being tested for vehicle integration and consumers will have the option of purchasing a car with it already part of the package - much the way we had the option of having air bags in our vehicles years ago when they became available. It will not be mandated.

The DADSS is not to be confused with today's alcohol ignition interlock systems that convicted drunk drivers are sometimes required to place in their vehicles. They certainly are an effective tool in reducing drunk driving. In states requiring those for all convicted drunk drivers, fatalities caused by drunk driving have been reduced by over 30%. However, they are calibrated at a lower level of 0.02 BAC, because a person convicted of drunk driving is not allowed to have any alcohol while driving.

DADSS program is studying two prototypes. One is distant spectrometry, which uses infrared sensors that are triangulated on the person in the driver's seat. The other uses tissue spectrometry, which uses near infrared light that will perhaps be imbedded in the start button or the gear shift.

It was astonishing to have the mechanisms explained and demonstrated, indicating how very close we are to having this become part of our everyday reality...which means to me, to have the cars be the cure...which means that there will be a day when the car will simply not allow a person to drive it when impaired by alcohol at or above the legal limit.

The DADSS project is funded by our National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. MADD is now urging Congress to support the ROADS SAFE Act, which will lengthen the time of funding this important research.

THIS WILL SAVE SO MANY LIVES. This is my hope. I hope it becomes your hope. Do call or email your Congressperson and tell them you want them to support this life-saving legislation. It very well could save the life of someone you love.

Warmly,

Jan Withers
National MADD President

Champions of Change Day at the White House
By Jan Withers | August 8, 2011 | Filed in: General , National President

The White House is profiling Americans from across the country whose work is helping our country rise to the challenges of this century. Each week they feature stories of Americans doing extraordinary things in our communities to help innovate, educate, and build the rest of the world. They are celebrating the success of these Champions of Change, learning their stories and sharing them with the world.

Friday, I was honored to represent all the incredible people in MADD who are doing these extraordinary things to help make our communities safer and support those who have been victimized by the effects of drunk driving or drivers impaired by using other drugs with the alcohol. We also know that alcohol is the number one drug of choice among our youth and every year it kills more teens than all the other drugs combined. MADD is truly a leader not only in the country, but the world, in our approach to solutions.

Nine community leaders were honored by the White House for our work to reduce drug use and its consequences and for empowering and inspiring members of our communitites. During our visit to the White House, representatives from the Office of National Drug Control Policy hosted a discussion on how several innovative local programs are successfully working in our communities to reduce the burden drugs pose on local communities. MADD's work is recognized to be innovative and effective in this area.

It was an incredible day. We first were given a private tour of the East Wing. We then walked out the portico facing Pennsylvania Avenue and walked into the West Wing, where we were escorted to the Roosevelt Room, adjacent to the Oval Office.

I had been there once before to witness President Clinton sign the bill lowering the legal limit of alcohol in a driver's blood for determining drunk driving from 0.10 BAC to 0.08 BAC. I was flooded with memories of our MADD President at the time, Millie Webb and her daughters, Brenda Frazier (whose precious 10-year-old Ashley was killed by a driver impaired at 0.08 BAC), and others with whom I waited in that very room before meeting the President. I noted my emotions were similar. I am not in the least bit complacent about the privilege of being there. BUT, the reason we were there is why my emotions filled my spirit. It was because there are so many good people working so very hard to help make our communities safer, to help individuals have more productive and positive lives, and to save lives. Both times, every single person in that room was there for those reasons.

We sat down at the conference table, at the very table and in the very chairs many world leaders have sat, and began a wonderful roundtable discussion of what our organizations are doing. Director Kerlikowski, of ONDCP, led the discussion. Those present shared amazing things they have done to transform their communities and strengthen individuals lives. The stories were diverse - from Lt. Dan Gannon who implements drug market interventions in communities and helps local citizens reclaim their environment - to LaKisha Bryant, Director of Girls Inc. in Albany, GA, who provides programs and services to help girls, ages 6 -18, to be self-sufficient, responsible and contributing members of society. I have to share with you that not only were they appreciative of our support for people who have been victimized by alcohol and drug impairment, but they were very impressed with the details of our Power of Parents iniative as well as the details of our Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

We needed to conclude at a precise time, because the room was scheduled for another use right after we finished. As the director quipped, "It is coming from someone with a much higher pay grade than mine." We learned that the President was having a luncheon in there following us. I cannot deny that I was disappointed he didn't just pop his head in to say a quick hello....grin.

The day didn't end there. We walked past the "Situation Room" to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The floors were black and white diamond-shaped marble. The door frames are trimmed with ornate Greek key design and the door knobs all have the insignia of each of the military branches. We waited in that not-too-boring environment for each person to be individually interviewed for videos to be posted on the White House website. The interviews took place in the Secretary of War Room located directly across the hall from the Vice-President's office. That room was indeed not-too-shabby itself. The walls were actually gold lame framed in dark ornate wood trim. We sat on antique chairs atop a huge oriental carpet for the interview. It was as if history whispered anecdotes from every corner.

It was an inspiring day with inspiring people doing inspiring work. I quote the White House blog on Champions of Change: "The best ideas come from American people. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has a part to play. Our country's success is built on the fact that working together we do big things... Together we will win the future."

Drunk Driving Can Be a Form of Child Endangerment
By Jan Withers | July 20, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving , National President , Power of Parents , Victim Services

Last week was a whirlwind of activities. I was honored to meet with Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation and David Strickland, Administrator of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Not only do they clearly care about the pain that drunk driving causes so many people in this country, they also are inspiring leaders seeking science-driven approaches to eliminate drunk driving. Indeed, they support MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving and when we celebrate the 5th anniversary of our Campaign on Nov. 16th, Secretary LaHood and Administrator Strickland will be present.

Our public policy team and I also met with the Honorable Debbie Hersman, Director of the National Transportation Safety Board and the Honorable Mark Rosekind, NTSB Board Member. For those who don't know, NTSB investigates major crashes, such as airline and rail crashes. They also make safety recommendations based on proven research and are committed to working with MADD to make endorsements of science-driven methods that reduce the dangers of impaired driving on our roads.

The moments that are always the most significant to me are ones in which I am privileged to connect with others who don't necessarily have prominent positions and are courageously working to make a difference. Many of you are following our Carl McDonald in his blog, "In Search of Warmer Summers," as he cycles across the country with his sister, Sallie. Each day they dedicate their ride to a person who has been killed or injured by drunk driving. Yesterday, they reached their finish line in Astoria, Oregon. They rode 4,769 miles. Amazing!

Carl touches my soul daily as I open a new entry in his adventure. Carl's precious little daughter, Carlie, was killed while traveling in the vehicle with an intoxicated driver. Even now as I write this my heart is filled with tears of empathy for him, knowing he now endures a lifetime without her. Too many of us live this same nightmare. We connect with Carl in a very real way. I am also filled with admiration and inspiration as he turns his energy into making a difference so others might survive.

He says he is going to continue blogging. He has committed to raising $20,000 for MADD as he raises awareness of drunk driving dangers during their excursion. He has not reached that goal, so if you find it in your heart to give, please do so. Your gift will help save lives. I can't think of anything more important. Just visit http://www.madd.org/ and you will see a link to Carl's blog. You may donate there.

Ron Claiborne, a reporter with ABC World News and anchor of the weekend edition of Good Morning America, met up with Carl and is doing a news segment about Carl's journey and his message. (We will make every effort to get the date and time it will air to you when we find out. Keep watching for it.) Ron then spoke with me to learn more about this topic of child endangerment. MADD considers driving impaired with a child passenger to be a form of child abuse.

Before that interview, I called my Iowa friend, Julie VanderWel, to ask if I could share her story with Ron. Her precious Gavin was killed when he was just ten years old while riding in the car with an adult, who Julie said had a blood alcohol concentation at twice the legal limit. He drove the wrong way down the road, hitting an oncoming car. He had two prior DUI's. Gavin's story is why MADD is working so hard to have every state in the nation require ignition interlocks for all convicted offenders. You are looking at little Gavin Wrather's picture above.

I first met Julie at our 30th Anniversary National Conference in Washington, DC last summer. She was alone and said she felt lost. Her heartbreak was palpable. We became instant friends and inseparable those few days and knew our friendship was permanent. Watching everyone in our MADD family embrace her with love and hold her up was so fulfilling. Nothing compares with the love, the mutual support, and the hope it offers. Julie told me that what she received at that conference gave her the hope to go on.

Gavin died two years ago on July 26th. When Julie answered the phone, I asked the usual, "How are you?" I could hear the struggle in her voice as she replied, "Anxious. The second anniversary of Gavin's death is approaching and I dread it. I am having a rough time. Sometimes I wonder if the anticipation is worse than the actual day."

I did tell Ron Claiborne about Gavin in the interview. Carl and Carlie, Julie and Gavin are why we make a loud noise. Did you know that 2 out of 3 children killed by a drunk driver are in the same vehicle with that driver? We cry out demanding that our society steps up to protect our children from this violent crime.

Julie is so right about the anticipation. Weeks leading up to that horrible day can be agonizing. My experience has been to make a plan for that day. Many of us who first tried to avoid thinking about it often say that we suffer less when we acknowledge it by doing something special. I have friends with whom we go to the cemetery each year, send up balloons, share fun stories about their loved one and if the occasion happens to be their birthday, we eat birthday cake. My point is, whatever works for you, just do it.

Our strength comes from our pain. Our strength becomes even more powerful when we speak with one voice - when our nation hears our united call to protect our families. Carl McDoanld, in his unassuming quiet manner, is helping to make our nation take notice. Julie, too, is now making a difference. Along with MADD, she has begun a campaign in Iowa, by erecting billboards with Gavin's picture and message: "THINK before you drink and drive. One Less Smile.....Gavin 1999-2009." Julie, in her unassuming quiet manner is helping to make our nation take notice. Carl and Julie are amazing, as are so many of you speaking in this united voice. Let us never stop until drunk driving is eliminated.

Hello and Goodbye
By Jan Withers | July 7, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving , General , National President , Power of Parents , Underage Drinking , Victim Services

I offer my gratitude to our outgoing President Laura Dean-Mooney. She has crossed the country - the globe actually - effectively representing all of us in MADD. Her dedication and sacrifice these past three years is deeply appreciated. You have been a powerful voice for us, Laura. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Today is July 7th, my daughter, Alisa's, birthday. She was killed by an underage drunk driver 15 years after her birth, just 3 months before she turned 16. It feels absolutely perfect to me that I connect with you today for the first time as your new president. The day she was born was the launch of new joy in my heart. She was sunshine personified. As a little girl she was delightful giggles and dance. As she grew up she was gracious kindness and graceful dance. Here you see a picture of her in a rehearsal.

Today she would be 35. I wonder how she would have changed. Would she have a career in dancing? Would she have children? Would her hair still be long? What would she look like now? My friend Mary Klotzbach's son, Matthew, was killed when they were hit by a drunk driver in 2001. She says she wishes so much she could have current pictures of him. The photos of newly created memories abruptly stopped the day they died. We wish so much we could update our photo albums with snapshots of new memories.

I called MADD for help when I was paralyzed with pain. The sorrow was excruciating and the anger overwhelming. What I received was not only help, but I began to see glimpses of hope. When I could not stop crying, I was offered a kind heart. When I could not speak, my MADD advocate became my voice. At the same time, I was watching others in MADD - others who had experienced similar loss or who had been severely injured. They were their own voice or spoke for those who couldn't. They modeled strength I didn't have in my most broken days - but I wanted it - I wanted to get there someday. They were my beacons of hope.

So, as time moved forward, so did I. The day Alisa died, a piece of my heart died. I am forever different. Now, though, I know she moves forward with me. Along the journey so many people in MADD were first my beacons of hope and became my heroes. I watched them support one another. I watched them fight to save lives. I watched them courageously turn their pain into power. They taught me well, for I followed their example.

Today I am humbled to represent you, so many of whom are my close friends, and knowing I will meet so many of you who will become my friends. I feel we already know each other. We will touch one another's hearts. We are bound as a family in MADD. We are together to save lives. We are together to honor and support those who have been vicitimized by this violent crime, to protect our youth from the dangers of underage drinking, and to eliminate this scourge of drunk driving. I know this is a noble goal. I know this is an attainable goal. Today, I am humbled, knowing we will move forward together.

Warmly,
Jan Withers