Dear Reader,
Madison Robak was only 11 years old when her aunt and older brother sat her down for a conversation that would change her life forever.
Her dad—the man she fished, cooked and laughed with—the person she loved with all of her heart—was gone. He was never coming home again.
“I cried and cried,” Madison recalls. “I didn’t believe what they were telling me. I thought maybe they had the wrong person. I couldn’t grasp the idea of my dad not being here.”
Martin Robak was driving on the highway when his vehicle was struck by a pickup truck driven by an impaired driver who veered into oncoming traffic. Martin’s injuries were so severe that he died on the scene, leaving behind three children forced to somehow carry on without their father.
“For years, it felt like I was carrying 100 pounds on my back all the time,” Madison says. “I was jealous of everyone who still had a dad. Even getting out of bed was a struggle.”
Madison suffered from severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She had terrible nightmares and struggled to do the things that once brought her joy. Her whole family was devastated. And the worst part? It didn’t have to happen. Impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable.
As thousands of students prepare to head back to school this fall, MADD Canada is working urgently to reach young people before one reckless decision changes another family forever. With your help, our School Program presentations reach thousands of students across Canada with a powerful message about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
Today, Madison is deeply passionate about stopping impaired driving from devastating other families. She’s now volunteering with MADD Canada—sharing her story with high school students in her community.
“I recently spoke in front of 1,300 students, and it was a profound experience,” Madison shares. “There was a lot of support, tears and love in the room. It felt good to share my story and show students how one person’s decision can destroy lives.”
Even while volunteering, Madison continues to benefit from your generosity. She received a bursary to help her pursue her post-secondary education, and she’s attended our National Conference for Victims and Survivors of Impaired Driving three times.
“It was the best thing ever,” Madison says. “It changed my perspective on grief. It showed me that I’m not alone. I learned that I’m stronger than despair and braver than grief.”
Madison often thinks about the milestones her dad missed. “Graduation Day was very hard because he wasn’t there,” she admits. “He’ll never get the chance to walk me down the aisle one day or meet his future grandchildren.”
It’s a loss Madison and her family live with every day. And it didn’t have to happen.
With your support, more young people will hear stories like Madison’s before they ever get behind the wheel. More victims and survivors will find compassionate support. We’ll continue advocating for stronger impaired driving laws and raising awareness through national initiatives like Campaign 911 and Project Red Ribbon. And more families may be spared the heartbreak caused by impaired driving.
Last year alone, MADD Canada reached more than 135,000 students through our School Program presentations in schools across the country.
Before you make your donation, please consider joining MADD Canada’s Guardians of Hope monthly giving program. Becoming a monthly supporter is a convenient and affordable way you can help fund our vital programs and support victims of impaired driving throughout the year.
Please donate today and help us prevent this tragedy from happening to other families. Together, we’ll remind young people that impaired driving is a choice that can rob someone of their life, their future, or a beloved family member they would give anything to see again.
Sincerely,
Tanya Hansen Pratt
National President
MADD Canada