I was asked last week to do an interview for  a Rogers TV program "In the Durham Region". They wanted my input about the less than encouraging RIDE statistics for the 2010 holiday season. This is a link to the segment.
http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=237&rid=2&gid=75672 

It gets a little easier talking about Mel each time I do it, even with strangers, and I guess eventually maybe even the 'triggers' wont make me cry. Maybe. I really hope I'm reaching these kids; sometimes its hard to tell. I appear to be holding their attention, but I hope that its sinking in and not falling on deaf ears...

On another note, I've decided to start adding some newer content to Mel's website : www.ourmelanie.com . If anyone would like to check out some pictures of my daughter, click on this link. If your speakers are on, you can hear the Butterfly Song playing during the intro...

Just got back from my 2nd time speaking as part of the TIPSY program. Great group of young people today, and it was quite emotional for me (again)...telling Melanie's story in this way is a difficult thing to do, but I feel some satisfaction that, I hope, at least one young person's life may change for the better (and yes, I mean "continue") because of it. One gentleman (a teacher I assume) who came with the group told me that, through speaking about her in this way, she continues to live on.

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.

I have to congratulate you for putting together such an excellent website.  It is a tribute to Melanie and has a very powerful message. I take care of too many patients who are injured as a result of alcohol.  Life changes in an instant in ways you can never imagine - for you and for those around you. Don't take a chance.  It isn't worth it.

Avery