Both Ridgefield and Nutmeg Chapters of the National Charity League gathered at East Ridge Middle School last night to learn first-hand the tragic ramifications of distracted driving.
Jacy Good’s life came to a screeching halt on May 18, 2008, the very same day she graduated from Muhlenberg College and gleefully gave the Valedictorian speech.
As she traveled back home with her parents by her side, excited to spend some time with them before she moved to New York City, an 18 year old who was using his cell phone while driving, ran a red light causing an 18 wheeler to plow full-force into the station wagon being driven by Jacy’s father. Jacy miraculously survived but both her parents died on impact.
Jacy explains, ”a series of astounding series of fortunate events and unequaled medical care kept me alive in the crumpled car, the ambulance ride, and through 8 ½ hours of surgery.”
Jacy would spend the next 4 months in a hospital, much of the time in a medically induced coma. The Valedictorian would have to learn all of life’s skills again: how to walk, speak, and reason. Her longtime boyfriend Steve spent every day by her side.
Given a 10% chance of survival, Jacy pulled through yet due to a traumatic brain injury she is unable to use her left arm or lower leg and has minor lingering cognitive issues.
She and Steve were married a little over a year ago and are on a crusade to share Jacy’s powerful story in the hope of saving lives. They have a website titled “Hang Up and Drive” where the duo explain:
We are Jacy Good and Steve Johnson, nationwide public speakers and advocates for cell-free roads. Since Jacy’s miraculous recovery from a crash caused by a distracted driver that also claimed the lives of both her parents in 2008 we have worked, and will continue to work, tirelessly to educate the country about the dangers of cellphone use behind the wheel as well as advocate for legislation to help eradicate an epidemic that shatters thousands of American lives every year.
Jacy, who has has appeared on Oprah and on countless talk shows and news programs, visits schools all over the country sharing her story.
Will you pledge to Hang Up and Drive? You can do so by clicking here.