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Vigil Honors DUI Victims

KELVIN MA / The Tampa Tribune

Evelyn Ryan’s daughter Vicki Herndon, right, granddaughter Lauren Herndon, son-in-law Ed Herndon and daughter Elaine Rimes participate in a MADD candlelight vigil at Temple Terrace United Methodist Church on Thursday. Evelyn Ryan died Feb. 11 when the car she and her husband, William, were in was hit by two street racers, the family says. William Ryan is still recovering.

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By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 7, 2007

Photo Gallery: Families Remember Their Loved Ones

TEMPLE TERRACE - One after another, some holding the hands of their mates or those of children, about 400 people strolled solemnly through the courtyard of the Temple Terrace United Methodist Church.

Most were on foot, though some were aided by canes or walkers; others were in wheelchairs. Some wore their Sunday best, while others sported more casual attire.

All were there Thursday night to honor loved ones who had been severely impaired or had lost their life through the actions of drunken drivers. They were there to participate in the Hillsborough County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving's 23rd annual Candlelight Vigil of Hope.

"For some of us, the journey has been very, very long and some of you have taken your first step in the healing process," said Linda Unfried, who founded the Hillsborough County chapter of MADD in 1984 to honor her sister Josie, who was killed the year before by a drunken driver.

The organization has served 870 families of the victims.

The event featured a medley of songs by the MADD Contemporary Choir, including a solo rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and a handbell performance of "Amazing Grace" by the Temple Terrace United Methodist Church and Van Dyke United Methodist Church choirs.

They were followed by comments from family members of victims whose lives have been forever changed.

Helen Gorman spoke of the loss of her daughter, Mara Gorman, a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient and president of the Future Business Leaders of America at Eckerd College, who was killed Feb. 25, 2006.

"Her absence has created a huge void in my life. … It was such a pointless, senseless death," she said. "It's a lesson in helplessness and the fragility of life."

Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Gus Garcia apologized for stuttering as he told of being in his patrol car when he was struck from the rear by a drunken driver. The impact resulted in severe back, neck and brain injuries that required extensive surgery.

"I said I have to go forward for my family and my agency, and the day after my surgery I walked five steps," he said. "I'm a work in progress, but I can't wait to get back to my squad."

The family of Hillsborough County sheriff's Sgt. Ron Harrison, whose was gunned down and killed by a drunken driver Aug. 17 in Brandon, honored him, as did the assembly of law enforcement officials from throughout the county, including nine who served with his squad.

The Rev. Joe Perrino paid tribute to his 4-year-old granddaughter, Alysa, who sustained severe head injuries as the result of a drunken-driver's actions.

"The doctors told us she wouldn't make it through the night and if she did she'd never walk or talk," he said, pointing to the smiling child, who stood Thursday with the aid of a leg brace and who after four months at Tampa General Hospital, left walking and talking.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, MADD victims advocate Becky Gage lighted a candle in tribute to her son, who was critically injured May 2, 1993, and killed Feb. 15, 1996 – both in incidents involving a drunken-driver.

She was followed by more than 50 attendees who also lighted candles in memory of loved ones.

"I'd like to say thank you to all of you in our extended MADD family," Unfried said. "We are here in support of one another."

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at jmckenzie@tampatrib.com or (813) 865-4849.

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