Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Mother's Day Countdown 2022 Midweek 5 Famous Mothers

 


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. 

In 1980, Cari Lightner, who was a 13-year-old at the time, was killed by a drunk driver during a hit and run accident in Fair Oaks, California. The driver, who had a history of DUI hit and runs, left her lying there. The driver was actually on bail release from an arrest for a DUI the previous evening. He went straight from jail to the bar to killing Cari.

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

Adore by Nat



Peace Sign Desk Or Shelf Clock

Kevs Krafts 



White Hearts with Red Roses Enamel Earrings, Woman Jewelry Gift

Victorian Style Treasures 




Peace Rose Lampwork Glass Pendant Onyx Swarovski Pearls Beaded Bracelet

Magdalene Jewels 



Salute, MacDill AFB Collage 11 x 15 or 8 x 11 Prints

WatercolorsNmore



Goldtone Hamsa Earrings

Lindab142



Om Aum Earrings

Shadow Dog Designs



Silver Peace Sign Hoop Earrings

The Singing Beader



Christian Inspiration Peace Pendant Necklace on a Chain 18-inches Silvertone

Blue Morning Expressions



Don't see what you're looking for?

Here are some more places to shop handmade from these artists:




If you have something special in mind for Mom, then ask one of the artists on this page to bring your vision to life with a custom work of art just for Mom. 

Happy shopping,
Julie and Little Harry