Saying goodbye
As a grassroots organization started on a kitchen table in one grieving mother’s home, our people are our most valuable champions and resources. These unflagging advocates make each milestone possible. So it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to two Mothers Against Drunk Driving® pioneers. Their efforts have saved lives and moved the mission forward. When we reach a future of No More Victims®, it will be in part because of these two women.
Idaho — Betty Stadler
Betty founded MADD Idaho after her daughter Carol was killed in a drunk driving crash on January 31, 1987. Her knowledge, connections and expertise allowed her to advocate for MADD in an impactful way — by always putting victims first. She was an influencer and successfully convinced others to support MADD’s mission. She was a tireless, selfless MADD champion who routinely handled a multitude of MADD tasks in a gracious manner.
Betty had many admirable traits, but her compassion and sensitivity for victims and survivors surpassed them all. She was 100% authentic in her ability to convey a heartfelt desire to support them through her words, her eyes, her hugs and her heart. She was a lifeline for many and inspired hope for survival.
The MADD family sends our thoughts for healing for all her loved ones and friends.
Long Island, New York — Celia Strow
Celia Strow, MADD Long Island founder died on October 25 after battling breast and bone cancer. Celia, along with her husband Marvin founded the MADD Long Island Chapter after their daughter, Janice, was killed by a drunk driver in 1980 at the age of 22.
Celia was the spokesperson for MADD Long Island where she was interviewed by countless newspapers, TV stations, and radio promoting the mission of MADD. In New York State, she was a force to be reckoned with as she successfully lobbied Albany to raise the legal drinking age to 21, as well as lower the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to .08.
Celia Strow will be missed by the countless number of victim families she support throughout all of her year’s that she worked with MADD.
