2021 MADDvocate

FROM THE WAR ROOM

“Being a part of the war room effort to get this historic legislation passed is unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. We were joined by nearly 100 victims/survivors of drunk driving from all corners of the U.S., who met and strategized weekly for a year, and then channeled their individual devastation toward implementing real and meaningful change. The groundswell we experienced around this movement, and the history that has been made, remains surreal. Thousands of lives will be saved, and it's because of some incredible folks who worked, day in and day out, to make sure we have 'No More Victims®.' They are what make this achievement so extraordinary.” - Rana Abbas Taylor, whose 38-year-old sister Rima, 42-year-old brother-in-law Issam, 13-year-old nephew Ali, and nieces 12-year-old Isabella and 7-year-old Giselle were killed by a drunk driver on January 6, 2019. “As anyone who has tragically lost a loved one will tell you, many days are very dark. But our weekly calls with so many survivors and victims helped me to see the light again. To feel hope that we can help make meaningful change. I feel blessed to have been invited to join with this amazing group of warriors. It is in fact the silver lining to not having in-person events since I would never have been able to connect with someone from Hawaii or Michigan or New Mexico. It was those connections that help propel us forward to the biggest victory in MADDs 41-year history.” - Alisa McMorris, whose 12-year-old son Andrew died from injuries caused by a drunk driver on October 1, 2018. “For me, being a part of the ‘War Room’ group just solidified the fact that although these horrific avoidable tragedies have crushed our lives forever, together we have found a meaningful purpose to advocate for our loved ones. This purpose has turned into triumph for years and years to come and will affect generation after generation.” – Jody Miller, whose 21-year-old daughter Heather died on March 31, 2008 from injuries caused by a drunk driver.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell at a HALT Act press conference

Rana Abbas Taylor holding a photo of her sister Rima, brother-in-law Issam, nephewAli, and nieces Isabella andGiselle

Jody Miller celebrates the new law in honor of her daughter, Heather

Heather Miller, daughter of Jody Miller

Alisa McMorris holding a photo of her son, Andrew McMorris on the day the bill was signed into law

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