Remember You Are Loved

Who Do You Love? Who Loves You?

Exits and entries; we make dozens of these each day. What we say to those we care for can make all the difference when they leave home, are dropped off for school or work, and again when they return home. 


Many of these exits involve leaving home, school, or other location by motor vehicle. Each exit is an invitation to simply let those we care for know they are loved. A simple way to do so is to say, "Remember you are loved," each time a loved one parts our company. These words may make all the difference. Try it today, tomorrow, and every day.


And remember to reflect that love in word and action when those we care for return home. This truly allows them to know they are loved the next time they hear the words, "Remember you are loved."


Tom
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org


PS - for information on presentations to help parents make the most of exits and entries, visit Tom Everson Support Services - for schools, faith communities, youth/family serving organizations, and businesses providing family support resources for employees.

All Roads Lead to Memory Lane

Anna, age 2, Perkiomenville, PA

365 days a year an average of over 90 loved ones die on American roadways, with thousands more dying on roads around the world. Their names include Anna, Shaye, Kyle, Erika, Justin, Anthony, Nadia, Cady, James, Ashley, Brianna, Ian, Tia, Conor, Maddison, Nick, Natalie,and so many others loved by family and friends. They are our daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, moms, dads. They die on every kind of roadway, from the neighborhood street to the highway. 


When we think about it, every road we travel leads to memory lane - the place that held the possibilities, the hopes, the dreams, of those that every family that has experienced the death of a loved one due to a traffic incident recall each day. We may not think about these loved ones each time we take to the road, but their memories are indeed present on just about any stretch of road we travel.

Michael Everson's "Run to Remember" shoe dedicated to Erika Joy Rowan

How can you honor the memory of every loved one who had died in a traffic incident? I suggest that we do so every time we act in a courteous and safe manner behind the wheel or while a passenger in a motor vehicle. All you have to do is:

Be Aware! Drive With Care - Notice what is going on around as you drive - people walking, riding, children at play - and slow down or adjust other behaviors accordingly.

You care by walking around our vehicle before getting in and starting the engine. Make sure no children are around who may be hit as we back up or move forward.

You care by buckling up and making sure all passengers do so as well.

You care by putting away your cell phone - no talking, no texting. The research is in; even talking on a cell phone - hands-free or otherwise - causes one to drive more erratically than driving under the influence at .08 - legally drunk. 

 You care by observing speed limits, stop signs and traffic signals. We remember the words of Tia's dad, "Don't let the 2 minutes you save be the last 2 minutes of someone's life." He uttered these words in the wake of Tia's death - hit while crossing in a marked crosswalk at a stop sign. The first driver stopped. The one behind him decide to go around, hitting Tia and her friend, who luckily survived.

.

You care by creating space between your vehicle and others around you. A rule of thumb; allow 3 seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Find a fixed object - a pole, a bridge, a sign - make sure that 3 seconds pass before you pass that object after vehicle in front of you passes that same object.

As you head out on the road, make every trip worthy of a drive down memory lane in honor of all who have died on roadways of every kind.

To make a difference in your community, visit: www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org

Call Keep Kids Alive Drive 25®at 402-334-1391.

It’s About Kids! It’s About Safety! It’s About Caring! It’s About Time!®

Make Your Next Race a "Run to Remember"

Make the difference! Be the difference!

Calling all runners! Make your next road or trail race a "Run to Remember" and help keep kids of all ages alive. Find out how to make it happen at "Run to Remember."

Every Picture Tells A Story to Help Keep Kids Alive

Here are photos of billboards posted around Omaha, NE. 

Thanks to UPS Foundation for funding these.*

And, as Paul Harvey used to say, "Here's the rest of the story."


The quote from David Townsend came in the aftermath of Tia's, death at age 11. Tia and a friend were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at a stop sign in Shoreline, Washington. The first car to approach the sign/crosswalk stopped. The motorist behind him decided to pull around him - hitting and killing Tia and injuring her friend.


Ashley Steffen, age 17, of Waukesha, WI was standing in her driveway waiting for the school bus. A classmate raced down here 25 mph posted street at almost 60 mph, lost control, smashing into Ashley and ending her life.

Shaye Martin, age 8, was walking to school on the sidewalk in a designated school zone in Doral, FL when a motorist sped through at 60 mph, jumped the curb, running him over and ending his life.


David Townsend's message, along with the desire of Ashley's and Shaye's families to never have another family endure what they have experienced, should resonate with every one of us each time we get behind the wheel. Our behavior behind the wheel makes a life or death difference. Which behaviors do we choose to engage in? 


For more about Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 visit www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org
*E-mail kkad25@kkad25.org or call 402-334-1391 if you are interested in utilizing these billboard messages in your community.

9/11 - Diminished and Challenged to Keep All Loved Ones Alive

Death diminishes and challenges us all, no matter what the circumstances.

As we observe the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, memorial services are held in communities of all sizes across our country. Even some NFL players wear specially designed gear in support of families who experienced the loss of a loved one on that day, or in the ensuing conflicts that have been fought in Afghanistan, and Iraq. Thousands have died, and whether each of us personally new these victims, we along with their families are diminished due to the loss of the love and service they would have continued to share with family, friends, and others in need throughout our world.

I am reminded, too, that over 350,000 loved ones have died during the past 10 years on our nations roadways. Their family and friends also grieve the loss of love, friendship, and service that their children, siblings, parents, cousins, friends undoubtedly would have shared had they lived. 

How are all the deaths of these loved ones connected? Quite simply, the death of anyone we care for, and who cared for us, is never easy, and we are all diminished by what might have been had they lived - through the tragedies of the Twin Towers, Shanksville, and the Pentagon, to the battlefields of the Middle East, to the death of a child at the hands of a speeding, texting, or stop-sign running driver.  We imagine a high school graduation, a wedding, a future grandchild, a hug, an "I love you," a hike in the mountains together, sharing holidays and birthdays, and so much more. We often grieve for the possibilities of the future, for what could have been.

Within our sorrow, we are left not only with memories, but also of the challenge of new possibilities - of what we each can do to create a legacy in remembering all the life and love a daughter, son, brother, sister, mother, father, friend has shared with us. Over the 13 years that I have worked to grow Keep Kids Alive Drive 25, I have encountered families who, like many of the survivors of the tragedies of 9/11, work to bring great good into our world in memory of their loved one. Click on these links to learn their stories.

• Cady Ann Reynolds, Age 17, Omaha, NE
• Conor Lynch, Age 16, Van Nuys, CA
• Brianna Vitek, Age 16, Winona, MN
• Emily Jasmine Ranyak, Age 18, Merritt Island, FL
• Gabby Mair, Age 12, Deltona, FL
• Brandon McPherson, Age 16, Weatherby Lake, MO
• Erika Joy Rowan, Age 16, Cozad, NE
• Graeme Preston Age 12, Freehold NJ
• Nick Peters, Age 15, Wahoo, NE
• Matt Schmill, Age 23, Omaha, NE
• James Davis, Age 29, White Bear Lake, MN
• Maddison Hart, Age 5, Sikeston, MO
• Myles McCarron, Age 16, Lunenburg, MA

In addition, these families have enacted redeeming actions on behalf of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in memory of their loved ones:

• Sean Martin has tirelessly worked with local officials and schools in Miami Lakes, FL in honor of his son, Shaye, struck by a speeding motorist while walking on the sidewalk in a school zone. Shaye's photo appears on the above banner.
• Barbara Foster, along with her State Representative and many friends worked to see "Kyle's Law" through to passage to allow Texas communities to more easily lower their residential speed limits.
• Karen Steffan initiated Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 in Waukesha, WI in honor of Ashley - whose photo appears on the banner above. 
• Natalie DeLeon's mother, Beatriz, daily efforts working with Massachusetts legislators to enact a primary seat belt law in her honor.
• The Henry family of Yardville, NJ set up an educational scholarship in honor of Anthony. This year they awarded 10 scholarships in Anthony's name.
• The Diffenderfers of Perkiomenville, PA created a butterfly garden for the community in honor of 2 year-old Anna.
• The Faust family of Lees Summit, MO doggedly worked to address engineering challenges that factored in to Justin's death. 
• The Lloyd family of Omaha set up a scholarship fun in honor of Shannon to support one or more classmates upon their graduation from high school in 2012.

These efforts in memory of loved ones join today, and each day, with the families of all who have ever experienced the tragic death of a loved one. As we embrace the life we have been given, each of us is challenged each day to live a life worthy of creating a legacy that can benefit others. We can start by paying attention to our interactions within our families, among our neighbors, and with as we meet folks we might ordinarily think of as strangers. Building a legacy begins with courtesy, with manners, with consideration. We can even include our driving behaviors, which can make all the difference in keeping others, and ourselves, safe and alive on and around roadways of all kinds. Begin today by visiting "Get Started to Keep Kids Alive."

Contact: Tom Everson

Phone: 402-334-1391

E-mail: Tom@kkad25.org

www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org

Success! A "Run to Remember" to Keep Kids Alive

Tom, Sean, Shawn, Michael, Matthew and Mike Everson at the 

"America the Beautiful" monument on the summit of Pikes Peak. Katherine Lee Bates wrote the song "America the Beautiful" while on the summit of Pikes Peak in 1893. The Pikes Peak Ascent always begins with a rendition of this hymn to America. It is inspiring.

Just returned from Colorado and the "Run to Remember" as part of the 
Pikes Peak Ascent Trail Race - 13.32 grueling miles up a single-track trail with a 7,800 foot elevation change. It all peaks out at 14,115 feet above sea level at the summit.


6 Eversons - my 3 sons (no, not Rob, Chip and Ernie!), 2 of my brothers, and yours truly completed the race. We ran to remember 51 loved ones who have died in traffic incidents. Their family and friends commissioned us to carry the memory and spirit of the love they shared, and continue to share, with all who love them. We were honored to do so. 


The photos that follow tell just a small portion of the story (and I will add more photos as I receive them).

The "Run to Remember" Team just before 
our final training run on August 18th

The "Run to Remember" Team looking out from the summit of Pikes Peak at the beauty beyond, and at the trail they would run the next day. The "Memory Wall" of those we ran to remember appears on the back of our running shirts. Through the years, over 1,000 of these shirts have been distributed to family members of those we run to remember. On race day - August 20th this year - they wear these shirts in solidarity with us as we ascend Pikes Peak. All shirts are paid for through the generosity of our donors, who help to make the "Run to Remember" possible.

Michael Everson's (Age 21) shoe, on which he drew a wing and the initials of Erika Joy Rowan of Cozad, Nebraska.

Sean, Mike, Shawn, Matthew, Michael, and Tom Everson at the starting line the morning of the race - yes, it was early!

Jan Anstett with her Dad at a Detroit Tigers game on the day of the 

"Run to Remember." We ran to remember her daughter, Erika. Jan is wearing this year's "Run to Remember" shirt.

Mike Everson, the 1st of the Eversons to finishg the "Run to Remember." He's heading up the trail towards the summit, well above timblerline.

Sean Everson, age 19, stands on the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak after a great first-time "Run to Remember." Sean's face reflects the effort involved in climbing 7,815 feet in elevation over the 13.32 mile course on a single-track trail (wide enough for one person).

If you would like to be involved in the 2012 edition of the "Run to Remember" the weekend of August 18-19 (as a runner on our team or to be present to support the team), please send an e-mail Tom@kkad25.org or give me a call at 402-334-1391. 


We are also looking for sponsors/donors for next year. Potential sponsors are welcome to contact me at the above e-address and phone #. Tax-deductible donations can be made throughout the year at KKAD25 Donate, or checks can be sent to:


Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144


Your generous giving will always go towards keeping kids living. Thanks!


Tom Everson
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
402-334-1391
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org 

A Peak Experience - Run to Remember to Keep Kids Alive

A Peak Experience-Run to Remember

Our message is simple this week. Take time to remember all loved ones who die in traffic incidents each day. Their families appreciate every kind word, every fond memory shared, every supportive phone call or note, every anniversary, birthday, and special occasion remembered, and every prayer sent their way to breathe in when needed.

We remember these loved ones along with the following whose family and friends have asked that our "Run to Remember" team carry their names, love, and spirit with us up Pikes Peak in Colorado this Saturday, August 20^th. We are privileged to do so. Every name holds memories of love shared with family and friends – love that continues to this day.

KEEP KIDS ALIVE MEMORY WALL

 Maddison Hart, Age 5, Sikeston, MO


Erika Joy Rowan, Age 16, Cozad, NE


Emily Jasmine Ranyak, Age 18, Merritt Island, FL

Gabby Mair, Age 12, Deltona, FL

Andrew Brumback, Age 8, Westminster, CA


Brandon McPherson, Age 16, Weatherby Lake, MO


Myles McCarron, Age 16, Lunenburg, MA


Conor Lynch, Age 16, Van Nuys, CA


Anna Diffenderfer, Age 2, Perkiomenville, PA


Nikki Simonson, Age 5, Phoenix, AZ


Nicolas Riconosciuto, Age 5, Ormond Beach, FL


Stephen Loder, Age 5, Commerce Township, MI


Stephanie Loder, Age 8, Commerce Township, MI


Lisa Xavier, Age 6, Menlo Park, CA


Shannon Lloyd, Age 7, Omaha, NE


Landon Bos, Age 7, Norfolk, NE


Aaron David Sumner Brock, Age 7, Haughton, LA


Shannon Ventry, Age 7, Omaha, NE


Shaye Martin, Age 8, Doral, FL


Justin Faust, Age 9, Lees Summit, MO


Stephen Richard Schroder, Age 10, Fort Thomas, KY


Kyle Foster, Age 10, Mesquite, TX


Sierra Feaster, Age 10, Lanoka Harbor, NJ


Tia Townsend, Age 11, Shoreline, WA


Graeme Preston Age 12, Freehold NJ


Kevin Clawson, Age 13, Freehold, NJ


Melissa Tindell, Age 13, Panama City, FL


Tyler Tscheschlog, Age 14, Forest Hill, MD


Anthony Henry, Age 14, Yardville, NJ


Nicole King, Age 14, Katy, TX


Nick Peters, Age 15, Wahoo, NE


Kyle Clark, Age 16, Wahoo, NE


Anthony Rizzo, Age 16, New York, NY


Caleb Koke, Age 17, Austin, TX


Ashley Steffan, Age 17, Waukesha, WI


Ashley Smith, Age 17, Scotrun, PA


Cady Ann Reynolds, Age 17, Omaha, NE


Jacqueline G. Becker, Age 17, Cape May County, NJ


Christina M. Becker, 19, Cape May County, NJ


Kimberly Hoover, Age 18, Barberton, OH


Ian Taggart, Age 19, La Veta, CO


Nadia Chowdhury, Age 20, Naperville, IL


Erika Kelly Anstett, Age 20, Redford, MI


Natalie DeLeon, Age 21, Springfield, MA


Blake Goodman, Age 21, Wakefield, MA


Gia Marie Kakas, Age 21, Hamilton, NJ


Matt Schmill, Age 23, Omaha, NE


Robb Morast Jr, Age 25, Spring Branch, TX


James Davis, Age 29, White Bear Lake, MN


Holbrook Mann MacNeille, Age 66, Cleveland, OH


Mary Anne Nortrup, Age 67, Ottawa, IL




Should you be moved to make a difference in supporting the mission of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 in honor of one or more of the ones we run to remember, or in honor of a loved one of your own, you can do so at “Run to Remember” today. Checks can be sent to:

Keep Kids Alive Drive 25

12418 C Street

Omaha, NE, 68144

All donations are tax deductible. Know that your generous giving goes to keep kids living.

Please remember what practicing safe driving habits is all about - “It’s About Kids! It’s About Safety! It’s About Caring! It’s About Time!®


In safety,
Tom Everson
Executive Director
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25® - A Non-Profit "For Action" Organization 501(c)(3)
402-334-1391
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org