“I will never forget Saturday, May 23, 2009, as it was the last day I spent with my family. It started out so pleasant. My fiancé, Terry, and I and our 5 week old son, Raymond, went fishing. My daughter, Heidi, her 2-year old son, Carter, and Heidi’s friend, Jarah, were with us. That evening we had a picnic at my parent’s house, to celebrate Memorial weekend and remember the passing of my older brother just 9 months earlier.

The sun went down so we headed home for the night. This is when my life was forever changed due to an irresponsible choice.

As the six of us innocently drove along, another car was driving at high speed, passed through a stop sign, missed another vehicle, and then hit us.

I am the lone survivor.

I can't put into word the pain this crash has put in my life and my heart. My own recovery is very hard with several tests and surgeries; yet to come. But the everyday pain of not having 5 family members is more than someone should have to try to get through.

Not a day goes by that I don't wonder what my baby, Raymond, would be doing. My grandson, Carter, would be starting Sunday school. My girls, Heidi and Jarah, would be going to college getting their lives underway. Terry and I had so much to look forward to – especially our fishing trips. All this ended in one night because of the driver that killed them and injured me for life, emotionally and physically. I am not the only one suffering. There are so many families and friends that are affected each day because of the childish act of drinking and driving.

Today, I am asking you to please help get the message that drunk driving kills. I don’t want anyone else to go through this terrible pain that I will always have in my heart.” – Rita Seha

It’s been a difficult year, not only for families of drunk driving victims, but for everyone that has felt the effects of the economy. MADD is making adjustments to accommodate these times; some have been more difficult than others. Regardless, MADD will forge through and ensure that every gift given will be used to eliminate drunk driving, support victims, and prevent underage drinking in Minnesota.

We appreciate whatever support you can provide at this time.

Sincerely,
Brenda Thomas
Executive Director
MADD Minnesota