Friday, March 15, 2013
West Warwick High School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is holding a walk-a-thon to benefit the Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation.
Where & When:
West Warwick High School Track
Saturday, April 6, 2013
10:00 a.m.
We are looking for participants, pledges, and sponsorships! All proceeds will benefit The Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation. The Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation has several purposes; educating young people about good decision-making, informing the community about ways it can make a difference, promoting legislation that improves highway safety, drawing awareness to traumatic brain injury, and supporting families who are dealing with tragedy. Show your support for this worthwhile cause and support Tori by participating in the walk-a-thon.
For more information, contact Kimberly Maine at (401)-822-8441×325 or kmaine@westwarwickpublicschools.com.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Rhode Island Hospital Campus was our venue of choice on Tuesday. We spent the day going from building to building, doctor to doctor. Tori had a very full schedule.
Along the way we ran into many past co-workers, friends, caregivers and continued well-wishers. People – who have never forgotten the little girl with the big brown eyes. Their genuine concern and delight in seeing the now grown and incredible “you’ve come a long way baby” young woman in front of them, palpable and touching.
And then, there in front of us visible through the corridor windows was the tree. The blossoming tree. Or, as I prefer to call it , – my miracle tree. A tree, that in the early PICU days became a symbol of hope and renewal.
I began to explain to Tori her connection to the tree. Moments before my daughter seemed distracted by the constant traffic of the hospital halls and yet when I motioned to the window and spoke of the blossoming buds as an analogy of her recovery she was focused and alert.
In two weeks, on March 26th, we will return to the campus and to the tree. This time I am certain the buds, which seem so ready to welcome spring will have begun to bloom. And just like 10 years ago, with Easter around the corner and the spirit of the season in the air, we wait for, we long for, we work for and we pray for the renewal and rebirth.
Friday, February 15, 2013
It was just Tori and I again today and as we went about our routines, tunes floating in the background, I thought about the supporting role music plays in our life.
Music reaches my daughter in a way other communication cannot. It reaches her very core and speaks to her on a different plane. She responds, she reacts, she communicates, she sings. Not quite the melodic tone of her youth but music to this mothers ears.
Music therapy provides pathways to new beginnings and meaningful interactions. It opens doors and it opens minds.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Source: ABC News 6
Troopers are out and about aggressively looking for drunk drivers this New Year's weekend, and they're sending a message to dozens about safety. State police are asking you to make driving sober your New Year's resolution.
There were twenty-five drunk driving deaths in Rhode Island this year. It's the fewest in half a century, but troopers say there's more work to be done.
Mom Cathy Andreozzi knows all about the devastation drunk driving can cause. Her daughter was hit by a drunk driver, ten years ago, walking home from her bus stop.
“She doesn't walk, she doesn't talk, she doesn't eat,” said Andreozzi, “She's fully dependent on other people 24-7, certainly not the life she should have been living.”
The vibrant girl who once loved the holidays is now stuck in a wheelchair. A fate, state police don't want anyone else to have to face.
“Our message is pretty simple. Don't drink and drive,” said State Police Colonel Steven O'Donnell, “If someone wants to consume alcohol, that's their business, but don't get behind the wheel.”
At an event at CCRI's Lincoln campus, Thursday, 66 people dressed in red and black shirts represented those who were killed on the roads in Rhode Island last year. The ones in red shirts symbolized those killed by drunk drivers.
“The stakes are way too high, death,” said Colonel O'Donnell, “You can't get worse than that.”
Troopers are sending a warning. There will be more patrols out this weekend. Many of them are focused on tracking down drunk drivers.
It's an initiative Andreozzi is happy to be a part of.
“Every family in RI and the country everywhere is threatened to have their families shattered from the actions of one person and one bad choice,” she said.
More than 32–thousand people died last year on American roads.
Original Article: http://www.abc6.com/story/20436310/more-troopers-on-ri-roads
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Source: ProJo.com
Law enforcement, state and federal officials along with community partners gathered Thursday to discuss the “365 Days of Safety Awareness Program.” At far right is Tori Lynn Andreozzi, who was hit by a drunk driver in 2003.
LINCOLN, R.I. — As New Year's festivities approach, a group representing the 66 people who lost their lives in R.I. motor vehicle accidents in 2011 gathered Thursday at the Community College of Rhode Island campus to raise awareness about drunk driving.
Of those deaths, 24 were alcohol related, officials said.
Members of the State Police, the state's Police Chiefs Association, National Highway Safety Administration, state Department of Transportation, AAA Southern New England , Mothers Against Drunk Driving and others asked motorists to make driving sober part of their New Year's resolutions to ensure 365 days of safety.
Among those present: Tori Lynn Andreozzi, 22, who was hit in 2003 by a drunk driver as she walked home from West Warwick's Deering Middle School.
Original Article: http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2012/12/365-days-of-safety-awareness-programready.html
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Source: WPRO 630 AM News Talk
State Police have their own New Years Resolution this year, “365 days of safety”. The program dedicated to ensuring the roadways are safe for everyone.
“Today law enforcement in Rhode Island is stressing zero tolerance. What does that mean? Every single day, State Police, local police have zero tolerance related to drunk drivers. Someone gets stopped and their drunk, they’re going to get arrested,” said Colonel Steven O’Donnell.
Colonel O’Donnell says they’re enhancing the program by using over time funds from the department of transportation to put extra patrols to look out for drunk drivers.
“We have troopers and local policemen on a daily basis out doing patrol functions and part of that function is DUI enforcement, but it’s just a piece. These are dedicated patrols just looking for drunks. And if we have to arrest them, then we’ll arrest them. But we’d like to get the message out, don’t do it,” said Colonel O’Donnell
Police say they too many lives are lost and too many people affected by drunken drivers. Cathy Andreozzi is one of the many affected. Her daughter Tori Lynn was struck by a drunk driver 10 years ago. She now suffers from a debilitating brain injury and is now unable to take care of herself. Despite all of this, she tries to remain optimistic.
“We are certainly one of the fortunate families; we will always count our blessings. Life is difficult, it’s unpredictable and there’s a lot of uncertainty about life, but it is life,” said Andreozzi.
She says the message against drunk driver is so important and she will continue to work hard to get it across.
“I don’t care if it’s a crowd of a hundred, if two people get it, it’s worth it. It’s worth putting yourself out there and it’s worth putting yourself through the pain. The pain is going to be there no matter what so you might as well use it for some positive energy,” said Andreozzi.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Coming into the MADD Candlelight Vigil this evening Tori was quite uncomfortable and extremely vocal. At several points I considered turning around. By the time we arrived she had calmed although still rigid and voicing displeasure. And then there were the faces of the people you have come to know and love-those with whom you have come to share a deep and everlasting bond. I believe all of the commotion; the hugs and conversations distracted her enough to allow time for relaxation to start taking place.
Once the ceremony started Tori settled. She was especially attentive to a beautiful lyrical dance performance and to those that sang. Families are asked to light a candle in honor of their loved one and then there is a presentation where name after name, face after face of those taken and forever altered are shown.
There is so much more to this than names and faces. For they belong to fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, mentors and friends. They are our lifeline – they are our loves.
Watching Tori towards the end of the ceremony and seeing her so comfortable I wondered what could have corrected itself. And it hit me. Always, as the time for the vigil approaches I become uncomfortable and rigid-not quite knowing what to do with all of the emotion welling up inside. And, I retreat. Once I enter the venue and get to see and touch this “family” I settle. Tori is like a sponge. She soaks up the energy around her. I believe she felt my grief and reacted to it. I also believe that as emotional and draining the vigil is there is also an overwhelming sense of love. The love is shown through the connections with our loved ones, the kinship we feel for “other families” and the appreciation for life.
Two songs came into my life this week and they are so different – yet so similar, at least to me in what I believe they say. “Carry On” and “Stand”. We heard many times through the vigil – life goes on.. or, you need to “Carry On” and once doing that we need to take a “Stand”. To pull ourselves up, honor those we love, cherish life and for me personally, rise to the challenge of a pair of big brown eyes that beg to do more and do better so another family does not have to experience this same pain. Because, life as you know it can change in a moment.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Friday, November 30th, something amazing happened. While Tori was at the horse farm for a therapy session a young volunteer asked if she could speak to me in private. Stepping aside she asked if I had every spoken at Cranston West High School. As I answered that yes I had, her eyes started to tear.
She proceeded to explain that 4 years ago she had been a student sitting in the middle of an auditorium during a pre prom presentation at which I told our story. She went on to say that she had only been at the horse farm for a short while but that a few sessions ago had seen Tori for the first time. About a week later in the middle of the night she woke up knowing exactly who Tori was and where she had seen her before. Immediately she called a friend. She told me that in the wee hours of the morning she told this friend that she had met the girl she was always talking about. The one she gave people examples of when they were making bad choices – the girl who made an impact and changed her life.
She is 21 years old now – a full time college student with a double major, two jobs and volunteer duties. She still tells Toris story. Through 2 sets of watery eyes we continued our conversation talking about life, choices and the what could have beens. Our tears dried and the corners of our mouths turned up as we spoke of shared sentiments and goals. Suddenly and without warning, I started to cry again because there before me… a little younger perhaps, taller certainly, but in spirit and in commitment I saw a wonderful glimpse of what would have been in terms of my daughter had it not been for the choice of one.
We never underestimate the damage one person, one choice can make. On Friday afternoon I was given a gift. The gift of knowing for certain, that ONE person can make a difference in a positive direction as well. Tori Lynn Andreozzi may not be remembered for her martial arts achievements anymore or for the fact she had a winning essay read at the State House or even she earned a place in the Junior Honor Society. Tori Lynn Andreozzi, who people once referred to as the little girl with the big red bow is now the “girl I am always talking about”, the girl who reminds you not to make bad choices and is the reason you call friends in the middle of the night.
Yesterday I received a priceless gift. And in true Tori spirit, whose favorite movie was Pay It Forward, make a difference in your own way. Take the time to be that ONE person.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012 for me was a remarkably unremarkable day. It started routinely enough. Revelry came at the usual time and there was the “changing of the guard” – or report if you would, as the CNA gave her comments on the night. Tori was in limbo – not quite awake yet not quite asleep and I sat quietly bedside keeping watch until the next caregiver arrived.
And that is where routine ended. Somewhere between leaving for a meeting and arriving at same the world changed. Not earth shattering changes, but ripple effect changes for sure. It was an emotional day – trying to be “present” and professional at this meeting and sitting side by side with a force of humanity – a woman who made such an impression in my life. A woman, who on November 7, 2007 presided over the first parole hearing for the offender who struck my daughter. All the while trying to stay composed I was listening to the most impressive man – a passionate leader who inspires. And, while gravitating from tears to hope, I was distracted by text messages of concern regarding my daughters physical presentation and her pulled g-tube! And…, it wouldn’t be enough for the roller coaster of emotion to end there…heck, it was only 9:45am. I then discovered that the kind officer who held the door for me was the same officer who filmed a mock dui crash I had participated in portraying the mother of a fatality victim several years earlier. It was by far the most raw and emotional experience I have ever had and by 11am I walked out of the Cranston Police Department with a DVD of the event.
Late morning and early afternoon were filled with a barrage of phone calls and a juggle of appointments mostly surrounding Tori and some current and pending issues which needed to be resolved medically. Frustration runs high when it comes to the struggles associated with trying to balance her schedule.
Then it was off to meet with another family and share some supplies and support and some laughs. By that time I was truly missing my little girl and was anxious to get home. Yes, Thursday, November 29, 2012 was a day of mixed emotions. But I may have been wrong about one thing. Looking back I think it was actually an unremarkably remarkable day. And for that I am thankful.
