On Mother’s Day, KidsAndCars.org, a national nonprofit child safety organization, publicly recognized Sue Auriemma of Manhasset as one of an extraordinary group of volunteers: mothers whose lives were changed forever due to the tragic loss of their children, and who now honor their children’s memories by working tirelessly to ensure another family does not suffer a similar loss.
On Memorial Day weekend in 2005, Auriemma, mother of 3, backed out of her driveway just as her 3-year-old daughter, Kate, darted behind her SUV. She jumped out to find her daughter covered in blood. Miraculously, Kate survived with only scrapes and bruises, but that day changed Auriemma’s life forever. She was devastated and wondered how this could have happened.
Since that frightening day, Auriemma has been one of KidsAndCars.org’s most committed and passionate volunteers.
KidsAndCars.org has named Auriemma as an “Exceptional Mother of Inspiration” in recognition of her unwavering commitment to educating parents and other caregivers and raising awareness about how to keep children safe in and around vehicles.
“Each recipient of the ‘Exceptional Mother of Inspiration’ award is a tremendous example of selflessness, compassion and unbelievable courage,” said Janette Fennell, president and founder of KidsAndCars.org,
“After a crippling trauma, she has volunteered her time and energy to help other families prevent or deal with the devastation of similar tragedies. Although nothing will bring back her child or heal her wounds, she continues her volunteer efforts to keep America’s children safe.”
