September 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024

MADD SOUTH CAROLINA

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT MADD ABOUT VOLUNTEERS

Margie began, gradually, volunteering with MADD SC. She went to several events with law enforcement and a presentation at a major trucking firm. It was not until she retired that she felt she had the time to be able volunteer routinely. She has since been a regular part of VIP at a local university and had the opportunity to speak with mental health professionals.

Margie Carosiello of Anderson is our Volunteer Spotlight for the month of September. Margie serves on the Walk Like MADD Upstate planning committee and volunteers at the walk. Margie serves on the South Carolina Response to Advocacy and Policy (SCRAP) team and participates in rally days at the State House. Margie shares Victor’s story with students and law enforcement officers across the state. “My older son Victor was on his way to work at 6:15 in the morning on October 25, 2013. A speeding, drunk, drugged driver crossed four lanes and the median of US 25 and hit my son head on at 69 mph in a 45mph zone. The other young man’s car spun around and hit my son’s car on the side and Victor’s car rolled off an embankment. They say Victor was killed instantly. He was doing everything right; driving under the speed limit, in the far-right lane and he had his seat belt on. I did not find out until the coroner came to my school. “Everything in my life, and I do mean everything changed in that moment.” I can tell you very little about wandering through that first six months. In that same time frame, we were thrust into the journey of trying to find our way through the legal system. How do you struggle with that and try to find a reason to push forward each day at the same time? Steven Burritt was at the court hearing where I gave my VIS. The drunk plead to a lesser charge. Like many survivors, at first all I could do was barely take care of myself. Many of us involved with MADD have experienced unimaginable loss. It is an integral part of who we are now – this has pushed me to help bereaved parents and volunteer with MADD. I truly am always willing to spend a little time on the mourning bench with anyone that needs a listening ear. I look forward to the day that cars are smart enough to prevent crashes like my son and so many others were a part of. I look forward to the day that a car won’t start if the driver is impaired. I also have great concern for texting and driving and the increasing number of deaths in that area.

Like many volunteers I hope that if only one person hears me it' s worth it!

I spoke with mental health professional in Pickens County. Until Covid time, I had planned to speak at the VIP at Pickens County Law Enforcement. I was a regular speaker with college students. Volunteering for MADD whether it is at a student impact panel, a mental health facility, supporting Walk Like MADD, attending Legislator's Day at the Statehouse, or speaking to law enforcement, helps push me forward through my grief. It also keeps Victor's memory alive. If I can deter one person from deciding to drive impaired it is so worth it. If I can convey to law enforcement what a huge difference they make and thank them for being my heroes it gives me hope! I so look forward to the day that working together when can make a serious impact! NO MORE VICTIMS. “

SEPTEMBER 2024

MADD SOUTH CAROLINA

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upstate October 5th Register your team here by clicking this link

September 6th Sign up here by clicking this link

WLM FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER

Our Walk Like MADD anonymous donor is back! If you start a FB fundraiser , you will get $500(Upstate) and $250 (Lowcountry) towards your personal fundraising page! To start a FB fundraiser, follow these

steps: To set up a FB fundraiser: -Login to your fundraising page -Click on Dashboard at the top of the page -Click on Create a FB Fundraiser -Click on Create a FB Fundraiser again -Login to your FB -Walk Like MADD is requesting to manage your fundraiser click continue -View Facebook fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who supported Kendra Scott Give Back Day! MADD had an excellent turn out and raised over $2500! Thank you to volunteers Rita and Tony Goodson, Joan Burritt, and Emily Cowan for sharing MADD’s message in your local stores!

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