Walk Like MADD is an annual event that brings together families, friends, and communities to honor victims of drunk driving crashes and support the mission to end impaired driving. Participants walk to raise awareness, remember lost loved ones, and
fundraise for Mothers Against Drunk Driving programs focused on advocacy, education, and victim support.
Walk Like MADD is a 5K-walk/fundraising event held by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to raise awareness and money to end drunk driving. This year, the event in Miami was held on Nov. 3 in Key Biscayne, and it brought together myriad families, friends, and communities to honor loved ones lost to preventable tragedies. The event raised vital cash for initiatives that focus on advocacy, education, and victim support.
This photo essay captures the emotional essence of the event, from heartfelt moments of remembrance to the resilience and unity among attendees. It highlights stories like that of Derek Betancourt, who lost his life at 18 in a hit-and-run crash caused by a drunk driver, and Rachel Colleen Foster, who was killed three weeks after giving birth. These pictures remind us of the human toll of drunk driving while underscoring the importance of education and prevention.
Throughout the essay, the photos illustrate the powerful connections formed among participants, united by shared grief and a determination to remember their loved ones. Scenes of families walking together and holding signs encapsulate the collective desire to end impaired driving. While the pain of loss never fades entirely, the strength of the MADD community offers comfort and the promise of creating a safer future for all.
During this event, people like Derek Betancourt are honored and remembered. Derek tragically lost his life at just 18 years old in a devastating hit-and-run accident caused by a drunk driver.Those who participate in the 5K Walk join MADD in raising awareness that driving under the influence endangers not only your own life but also the lives of others on the road, especially since research shows that intoxicated patients are more likely to survive traumatic injuries than sober individuals.Bryan and Elisa were involved in a devastating car accident caused by a drunk driver while taking Carmen—Elisa’s daughter and Bryan’s sister—to the airport as she prepared to start medical school to become a doctor. Carmen passed away during the crush, and although Elisa and Bryan survived, they endured months of hospitalization, with Bryan spending months in a coma. When we are young, we believe that we are invincible and that nothing can hurt us. Unfortunately, some of us never grow out of that way of thinking. Sometimes, especially when drinking, some fail to think of others.Rachel Colleen Foster was killed by a drunk driver three weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Savi Mia. “I participate in Miami’s Walk Like MADD events to honor my daughter. I must keep the memories alive. That’s why I like talking about her. I also share her story during MADD Victim Impact Panels to remind people how drunk driving is a crime that can destroy so many lives. My hope is that Rachel’s story – that my family’s story – will help put a stop to this 100% preventable crime” says Delia Foster, Rachel’s mom, who likes to involve her grandchildren in this touching event. After more than a decade of abusing drugs and booze, Haywood Maurice Johnson had put together an impressive stretch of nearly four years sober. While walking to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, a drunk driver plowed into the 49-year-old man, hurling his body 25 feet onto the pavement and killing him.Many attendees describe the 5K Walk as a supportive space where they feel a sense of understanding and connection with other families facing similar struggles and emotions while attempting to commemorate their loved ones. Alcohol is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in the U.S. according to the National Traffic Safety Administration, killing 37 people a day. Many participants at the 5K Walk claim that it does get easier with time, but you just don’t ever want to forget them Kaely Camacho, a 13-year-old girl, was killed by a drunk driver on April 13, 2012. Kaely and her sister Bree Ann were in her family’s minivan being driven to school by their father when a drunk driver crashed their vehicle, shearing it in half.Drunk driving is a 100% preventable tragedy, yet it continues to claim countless lives each year. MADD is dedicated to eliminating these senseless incidents through education, advocacy, and support for victims and their families. In loving memory of those whose lives were tragically cut short by drunk driving, and who will remain forever in their families’ hearts
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Dawn Boothe is a proud Jamaican American, born and raised in Miami, Florida. She currently serves as a journalist and reporter for Caplin News. Currently, as a junior at Florida International University, Dawn is majoring in Digital Communications with a minor in Social Media Marketing. She is passionate about pursuing a career in entertainment, news, and investigative media, with aspirations to become a leading reporter and anchor.
Luz Gonzalez is a junior majoring in Digital + Interactive Media, with a passion for graphic design and video production. Luz is also pursuing a minor in Social Media and E-Marketing analytics, for she loves interweaving her media production skills with her ability to manage social media platforms and execute extensive market research. After her studies, she wishes to become a community manager and content creator.
Paola Sirignano is a Junior majoring in Digital Interactive Media. After graduating, she wants to pursue a career in entertainment media, allowing her to spread information regarding the latest in pop culture and cover the greatest events in music, film, TV, and even fashion.
Stefanny Tenia is a junior pursuing a degree in digital broadcasting with a minor in marketing and advertising. She aspires to be a news anchor for a television network. She is passionate about media and current events, actively working to refine her communication skills for that future role.
