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Why We Do What We Do
It is often said that out of the darkest times come some of the most positive realizations. That could be said of the nonprofit Driving Sober to Save a Life. The organization started in 2007, after Chris Marcone, 24, drove drunk and struck and killed a 13-year-old girl named Shelby.
The car crash and the death of Shelby shattered Chris’s life. Not only was he sentenced to 13 years in prison (one year for each year of Shelby’s life), but he was overwhelmed with guilt, remorse and depression.
His father, Barry Marcone, was also experiencing guilt and pain over his son and the car crash. Although Barry certainly never condoned Chris’s choices behind the wheel, he was a parent, and as such, felt the intensity of his son’s pain as well as the pain of Shelby’s family. It was so intense that Barry spent many late nights questioning what he did as a parent that could have contributed to the crash.
While Barry finally realized that it was his son, not he, who made the bad choice that caused the crash, he felt compelled to try and do something to help other young drivers make better choices than his son made. He knew he had to share his and his son’s story and impress upon others how dangerous it is to drink alcohol and drive.
So, Barry formed Driving Sober to Save a Life. Now in its third year, the organization seeks to reach teen drivers and teach them about the consequences of drinking and driving. Barry has traveled all over the United States presenting his story and sharing with teen drivers and their parents. He has even been invited to Alaska to present his story in front of our troops stationed there.
But wherever Barry goes, his passion for helping others and his genuine caring and concern for those teens and parents he talks with is clear. You know you’ve met a very special person with a powerful message about how to live life when you’ve heard Barry speak.
In This Issue…
(written for this newsletter by Chris Marcone from prison in Live Oak, Florida)
To me, prison was always a place for murderers, rapists, child molesters and big-time drug dealers. It certainly wasn’t a place for me or anyone I associated with.
Never in a million years did I think that I would end up here. It just wasn’t even a possibility. Read more.
Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes beach weather, bare feet and lots of events for teenagers. Prom, grad nights and graduation are just around the corner. And while those exciting events mark important periods in a teen’s life, they also place a tremendous amount of responsibility on the teen’s shoulders. Read more.
It’s no secret that car crashes are the number one cause of death among teens ages 15 to 19. That’s why the State of Florida now uses a “graduated” license system to introduce teens to driving. Learn more.
Think you know a lot about driving? Test your knowledge with this quiz from Driving Sober to Save a Life. You might be surprised at what you learn. Take quiz.
Looking for a great speaker for your school, event or organization? Someone who can really make a difference with teens and parents or bring a powerful message to your audience? Contact Barry Marcone of Driving Sober to Save a Life at barry@drivingsober.net, or call 352-279-4365. Presentations are at no cost to your organization.
