My family, friends and I walk for my sister, Josie DiStefano Palomino. On October 29, 1983, two hours after my parents 55th wedding anniversary party and two days after her 41st birthday, Josie was killed by a 17 year old impaired driver. He should have never been driving as he his driver’s license was already suspended. The impaired driver was more than twice the legal limit. My family was shattered. My Mom and Dad could never get past the grief.
Six months before she was killed, Josie and I had watched the original MADD movie and vowed to volunteer our time to the organization. After Josie’s death I reached out to the only MADD chapter in Florida which was located in Orlando and they came to our side. It was then that I realized we needed a local MADD chapter to assist families going through the devastation we were facing. I co-founded MADD in Hillsborough County in March, 1984, and have been volunteering ever since. It’s been a long, uphill battle for the past 37 years but we are not giving up. We will continue to WALK, EDUCATE, and ASSIST families who need our services.
Every 51 minutes, someone is killed in an impaired driving crash. Hillsborough County still maintains the highest number of DUI fatalities and injuries in the State of Florida.
We walk to STOP DRUNK DRIVING with the hope someday to have NO MORE VICTIMS.WON’T YOU PLEASE JOIN US IN OUR EFFORTS? Blessings and thanks to all.
Did you know that 2 out of 3 people will be impacted by a drunk driver in their lifetime?
How can you help?
You can do your part by:
• Making a donation now and help me reach my fundraising goal
• Walking alongside me and take steps to stopping this violent crime
• Spreading the word about Walk Like MADD using the hashtag #NoMoreVictims.
Who is MADD?
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving, drugged driving and underage drinking. MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local MADD victim advocates and our 24-Hour Victim Helpline 1-877-MADD-HELP. Learn more at madd.org.