The Next Step Foundation Team Brandon presents its story about the life-altering effects of impaired driving to schools, corporations, DUI Victim Impact Panels & community groups. page for Team Brandon
We completed our first full marathon in January 2013 at the Arizona P.F. Who would have thought the short walks we started in 2012, pushing my 6 ft. 200 lb. son, would have resulted in comp
leting 5 full marathons, countless half marathons & many other distance races, having run over 4,500 miles by January 2017? Team Brandon has achieved the Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Triple Crown, Encore, Cali Coast Heavy Medals & the Desert Double Down. To foster our message, Team Brandon raises funds that will allow our foundation to continue spreading our VOW TO DRIVE SOBER message in schools, worksites and communities. The funds will also allow us to purchase racing chairs for special needs families and provide an avenue for them to participate in ongoing racing events with Team Brandon. We continue to share our story with teens and their parents to discourage underage drinking but realistically promote the importance of using a designated driver and other safe alternative transportation. I always say "Your parents would much rather get a phone call from you, saying I am drunk, please pick me up" than having a police officer call saying "Your son/daughter was killed/or killed someone in a drinking and driving accident. Right Toyota/Honda sponsors Team Brandon by wrapping our van with a large photo of Brandon and our VOW TO DRIVE SOBER message. Because Brandon was the Offender, Team Brandon has an unfortunate advantage to grab at the heartstrings of our audience as we encourage people to choose to drive sober. Our presentations are truly effective since Brandon and I presented together. With Brandon’s recent passing our VOW TO DRIVE SOBER message is more important than ever! People see the pain of losing a child because of one choice that was 100% preventable. They’re able to conceptualize the our heartbreak versus having a picture painted for them. A light bulb goes on quickly and sends the message … I have a choice. This light bulb moment matters for you and your loved ones! Although we all have a choice to drive sober, unfortunately, we do not have control over those who do make a poor choice. When people see Brandon and our video, they are emotionally charged to reconsider decisions to drink and drive. To add value to our program, our primary partners are the local DUI Task Force officers who take time to engage the audience by performing field sobriety tests. We don't feel that alcohol is the enemy for those over 21 if they plan ahead. A few of the problems with drinking are people not planning ahead and not knowing their limits! We never charge for our presentations but are grateful for all donations, which help offset the costs of gas, printed materials and promotional items/giveaways.
