Monday, May 14, 2012
Source: Westerly Sun
SADD (Students against Destructive Decisions), Westerly High School recently staged a mock car crash on Wednesday, April 11 in efforts to raise awareness against drunk driving.
The crash depicted the scene of a two car crash on prom night, resulting in the “fatality” of six students, and the injury of one, and one arrest.
Prior to the crash, which was staged on the track, juniors and seniors (the age group SADD felt was of a higher risk to be exposed to such activities) were placed in the gym and shown a brief video.
The video depicted two groups of high school students getting ready for prom; one group consuming alcohol beforehand. The video ended with both groups of teens entering their cars, making their way to the prom.
A staged 911 call was then made, alerting students of the “crash” which they later made their way to.
Prior to going outside, Cathy Andreozzi, whose daughter Tori’s middle school encounter with a drunk driver left her permanently debilitated, spoke to the group about the severity and possibilities of driving under the influence.
Students listened quietly as Andreozzi told the emotional story of her daughter’s accident, until they quietly ushered themselves to the track’s bleachers.
Several local rescue squads were at the scene of the crash, including ambulances from numerous districts, police squad cars, trucks from both local and neighboring fire departments, and even a Life Star helicopter.
Emergency rescue personnel treated the situation as though it were a real life emergency, and students watched intensely as the crew worked as fast as possible to “rescue” their peers from the wreck.
As spectators sat quietly, they watched the mangled bodies of their friends lay completely still, covered in blood. One by one, after failed attempts at resuscitation each of the six students were covered with sheets and left for students to understand the harsh consequences of drinking while driving.
Of the six students killed that day, one was senior class co-president, John Pacitti.
“I hope this really impacted the students at our school,” Pacitti said.
Pacitti added “I hope kids realize that if they got behind the wheel after drinking, they aren’t just endangering themselves, they are endangering everyone else that’s on the road, even strangers. It just seems like most kids feel like that stuff wouldn’t happen to them, and hopefully this made them realize it could happen to anybody”
Junior, Jessica Fontana believes this activity was a “wake up call” for many students, explaining “the car crash was a success because it showed what could really happen if one student made one stupid decision, how many people it could really impact”.
Fontana believes this operation should be continued in the future because “even if just one student takes away from it, that’s one more student educated that was not aware of the consequences before, and the operation is a success”.
Administrators and community members also believe the mock car crash was a successful display of the dangers of drinking and driving, and wish to continue this event for future students to come.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Source: The Archway
Over 300 of Bryant University’s students, faculty, and staff signed a pledge to not drink and drive in an effort to bring attention to a dangerous action. In addition, two Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) advocates and Bryant University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) participated in a speakers series hosted by Bryant University’s Society for Resource Management on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 in Janikies Auditorium.
Victim Robin Monica, shared her story about her son’s deadly decision to drink and drive. She emphasized that drinking and driving is a preventable choice, urging people to, “think about the effect your decision has on your family,” before acting.
MADD advocate Cathy Andreozzi, talked about her daughter’s experience getting hit and the struggles they have faced keeping her daughter alive. Andreozzi emphasized that, “life as you know it can change in a moment.”
Stephen Bannon, the newly appointed Director of Bryant University’s DPS unit talked about the severity of drinking and driving and the new law that passed allowing officers to obtain a search warrant for blood in cases of DUI.
Candy Lightner founded MADD in 1980 after a drunk driver killed her daughter. Lightner found out that drunk driving was infrequently prosecuted strictly and vowed to advocate for victims and change the legal consequences of driving drunk. In 2000, drunk driving fatalities dropped 40 percent (http://www.madd.org).
About one-half of all fatal car crashes among 18- to 24-year-olds include alcohol (http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov) and many of those students are enrolled in college. Drinking and driving on college campuses remains a public health issue and MADD advocates Robin Monica and Cathy Andreozzi alongside DPS’s Stephen Bannon reiterated the importance of the issue.
Monday, March 26, 2012
3.26.03…today marks 9 years since life as we knew it changed forever…in honor of Tori, her indomitable spirit and an effort to continue to help her make a change in the world please take the Winds of Change pledge or vist and like the Tori Lynn Andreozzi Facebook page.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sitting bedside with my daughter, my eyes gravitate to a shelf near her bed. It houses a card given to her by a wonderful woman. Inside the card is filled with words of inspiration. Outside, there is just one word. Believe.
And in these quiet moments, I sit, I read and I declare. I believe that with life there is hope. I believe that all things are possible and that God answers all prayers. I believe that life is not fair, nor that it was ever intended to be. I believe a touch, a word, a glance can transform and I believe one person can make a difference. Blessings to all who have.
Friday, December 09, 2011
On my mother’s last Christmas she and my father gave Tori the most incredible gift. It was a letter that detailed a month long list of acts of kindness and donations, all Tori’s favorites, and all made in her name. St Jude’s Hospital, animal shelters, Salvation Army buckets, trips to Benny’s to buy Toys for Tots, adopted families and food banks all received gifts in her name. And, a hard working unsuspecting Stop n Shop clerk was given a bouquet of flowers. So easy to see where Tori got her generous spirit. Tis the season of giving. Merry Christmas to all.
Monday, November 14, 2011
While all brain injuries are not created equal all people are. Hopefully one day the necessary intensive, aggressive therapy will be available to all to improve their chances of recovery.
Mark and Gabby Kelly are incredible examples of what the power of love and persistence, coupled with medical and divine intervention can accomplish. They are a beacon of hope.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
A very emotional day has come to a close. Tears outweighed the smiles as I reflected on how different things could and should have been but for the choice of one. Choices we make as individuals have far reaching consequences so far beyond ourselves. Our choice is to treasure each moment and be grateful for all of our blessings. Blessings which include so many loving and caring friends and family.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
We had an unsettling experience at Ann & Hope today. Shoppers couldn’t create enough distance and the divide was palpable as we struggled through. Outside, I turned to look at my daughter-eyes closed, faced turned to the sun absorbing its warmth, a cheshire cat grin on her face, the fatigue and frustration melted away. I was filled with the beauty of the day and the girl. Moral of the story-DO NOT let the moments that don’t matter linger and remember to let the moments that matter last.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
While gathering reading and writing materials for distraction over the next few days, I came upon a journal entry. As I read the words written almost 8 years ago I could still feel the same intense emotion. The entry speaks to friendship, acceptance and hope. Something relevant through all time.
Day 208
October 19th
We have a standing appointment on Sundays. At 10AM on the second floor of the hospital, something wonderful happens in the playroom. A small, devoted group begins to gather and sit and anticipate. Long before Tori and I became a part of this group, we were aware of their presence. Our first knowledge of their existence came in the form of a joyful noise that filled the corridor. It was the sound of children. A sound filled with innocence and with glory. These children don’t see the machines, the scars, or the tubes. They don’t notice the empty space inside a piece of clothing or the distant look in anothers eyes. All they see is a child. Total acceptance. Instant friendship. These special children come together on Sunday mornings and they sing. They sing of “My Forever Friend, my leave me never Friend”.
Along with the music from the accomplished pianist, there is the sound of small fingers running across the keys. An eager assistant or two await their opportunity in the wings. Sometimes even a toy xylophone plays in the background. Perfection is not priority with this group. And yet on second thought, it is perfection. It is a perfect, unconditional love. This is where the real healing begins. It begins with the children. Whatever circumstances have brought them here, and in many too many cases, whatever circumstances that leave them here, are forgotten. It is in the way they instinctively reach out to one another. “Makes no difference if you’re just a child like me, or a king upon a throne”. It is their unjaded outlook, their acceptance, and ability to deal with, or make due with, whatever circumstances come their way. “There are no exceptions, we all stand in line”. Regardless of what today may bring or be like, they know, tomorrow will be better. Their hearts are filled with the promise of tomorrow and with hope. “Through the darkest night, or rainbows end, my forever friend”.
The Webster dictionary says the definition of hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation, to desire with expectation of obtainment and, to expect with confidence. To me, hope is what sustains, what fuels. It is what makes it possible to face each day, each challenge. Emil Brunner said, “What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life”. Hope is truly what keeps me going. It allows me to breathe and feeds the rest of my body and soul. With life there is hope. And with each new day comes the anticipation, the expectation and the confidence that this just might be the one.
There have been so many coincidences throughout this journey. Most recently, as I was writing this entry, a friend who is so inspirational and intuitive gave me a gift. It was a small pin. And on the pin written across a rainbow, was a four letter-word. Hope. I treasure that pin. I have it. I wear it. I live it. It is an outward sign of the life preserver that keeps me afloat. And, coupled with the strength received through the love and support of all, I believe it.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Massachusetts State Trooper Ellen Engelhardt died Wednesday, June 1, 2011. For 22 years she served the state of Massachusetts proudly as one its first female troopers. For eight years she lived with the devastating afterrmath of a severe brain injury at the hands of a drunk driver.
At the time of the crash in July 2003 Tori and I were at the Fransiscan Childrens Rehabilitation Hospital in Brighton, MA and I followed her story closely.
News of her passing hits closely. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and please, please do all you can: spread the word, get involved-to keep drunk drivers off the road and all of our families safe.
