Yesterday (Friday Oct 22) was the first time in quite a while that I was given the oportunity to speak (in front of a group of strangers) about Melanie. I was invited to join St Michael's Hospital's TIPSY program (an acronym for "Think First Injury Prevention Strategy for Youth") and speak to a group of High School Students.
This is an excellent program that brings in groups of students (yesterday's group was from Kitchener) and shows them, through tours of the ER and Trauma units, videos, police discussions and speakers what its is like to be severely injured or worse - with the primary focus being on automobile-related injuries and deaths. So yesterday, I had the opportunity to tell Mel's story and share some details of her life and the accident that claimed her life.
This is an ongoing program and based on what I've seen and heard, is always well received by students and staff alike. Its a priviledge to be part of it and I hope to continue speaking there, as long as they'll have me.