Candy Lightner is a loving mother who turned a tragedy into a successful campaign to create awareness of a nationwide epidemic that has cost thousands of lives.
Candy put her grief into organizing and mobilizing the
movement Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) and pushed for uniform laws
surrounding the sale and purchase of alcohol. The drinking age was consistently
raised to 21 across the states.
Originally, MADD was designed to help victims and offer
resources on alcohol safety, but as the organization grew, the focus shifted
from education to harassment. Members were known to harass DUI hearings in
court or turn family members of DUI drivers into child services by filing false
claims.
Candy stepped down from her leadership as the organization
hurtled towards becoming more of a temperance movement. What the organization
did was lower the blood alcohol limit in DUIs, advocate for strict sentences
for offenders, and demand that all those convicted must subject themselves to
ignition interlock devices that required a breath test before the car will turn
on.
Candy is now a traffic safety activist, spokesperson and
author. She has received the Jefferson Award for Public Service, which is
considered a Nobel for community service. She is now the founder of We Save
Lives which tackles the Three Ds. Drunk, drugged and distracted driving. She
works with lawmakers to adopt legislation and works to educate the public of
the dangers.
She still presses forward hoping that other parents will not have to endure the grief of losing a child to a drunk driver. She is fiercely protective of all children.
Hopefully, Candy's story will inspire women everywhere to defend the helpless.
While shopping for your Mother's Day gifts, don't forget handmade gift ideas for Mom. Here are some great gift ideas for your Mom, Grandmom, Auntie and anyone else you honor as Mother.
Let Love Grow Favor Tags
Peace Sign Desk Or Shelf Clock
White Hearts with Red Roses Enamel Earrings, Woman Jewelry Gift
Peace Rose Lampwork Glass Pendant Onyx Swarovski Pearls Beaded Bracelet
Salute, MacDill AFB Collage 11 x 15 or 8 x 11 Prints
Goldtone Hamsa Earrings
Om Aum Earrings
Silver Peace Sign Hoop Earrings
Christian Inspiration Peace Pendant Necklace on a Chain 18-inches Silvertone
