Casey's parents, Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson holding a picture of their daughter, Casey, who was killed by a distracted driver in 2009
In creating the Casey Feldman Foundation and EndDD.org and bringing their “End Distracted Driving” (EndDD) message to the public throughout the country, Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson “have given their daughter a powerful and important legacy,” the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) concluded, recently awarding the couple the group’s 2013 Courageous Advocacy Award.
Casey Feldman was 21 when she was killed by a distracted driver in 2009. MATA recognized her parents, Joel and Dianne, for “their courage, selflessness and commitment to preventing similar tragedies,” calling it “extraordinary.”
“Casey Feldman taught her friends that everyone had a story – both unique and beautiful. She believed that telling someone’s story made a difference—to both the story-teller and their audience. Casey believed that stories change lives. In telling Casey’s story, Joel and Dianne are not only changing peoples’ lives, they are saving them. What could be a more important message and unforgettable tribute to their daughter Casey’s memory,” explained the program for MATA’s Annual Meeting and dinner on May 22nd in Newton, MA.
Feldman accepted the award from MATA President Tim Kelleher, telling the crowd of approximately 400 guests, “We are so appreciative of being honored by MATA and for their hard work to bring our End Distracted Driving presentation to teens in high schools across the state.”
MATA members have taken the EndDD.org presentation to high schools in Massachusetts since the campaign was launched in that state in March.
“As trial lawyers, we see the awful consequences of distracted driving,” said Feldman, “But our End Distracted Driving program can help prevent these terrible crashes and make a difference in all of our communities.”
Joel Feldman, Casey's father, addressing MATA upon acceptance of the Courageous Advocacy Award
“I can’t bring Casey back, but I can tell her story and have others tell her story so that we all drive safer,” Feldman said.
“In our society, many people are uncomfortable talking about grief and loss and don’t know how to support those who are suffering,” said Feldman. “As trial lawyers, our clients are suffering and not only do we have an obligation to represent our clients , but an obligation as compassionate human beings to offer support that our clients and their families need.”
Related Links:
EndDD Campaign Initiated in Massachusetts at State Capital; Gov Issues Proclamation; H.S. Students Hear Presentation; TV News Coverage, EndDD.org, March 10, 2013
