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Mark Wandall Foundation supports, connects youth navigating grief

Melissa Wandall and Gina Babcock

This article originally appeared on YourObserver.com on March 8, 2024. Link at bottom.

Melissa Wandall founded The Mark Wandall Foundation to aid grieving children. Following personal tragedies, she became a road safety advocate and now leads the National Coalition for Safer Roads. The foundation, co-founded with Gina Babcock, offers various programs including camps, therapy, and scholarships, primarily funded by donations. Despite logistical challenges, it has served over 500 children. Through partnerships and volunteer efforts, the foundation aims to expand its reach, seeking donations for additional camps.

Read the complete article at YourObserver.com

2023 World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Crash Victims

In recognition of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Melissa Wandall, President of M3 Motivational Concepts, Ambassador for Target Zero Florida & President NCSR, partnered with FDOT District 1, Law Enforcement, and the Community to host a World Day of Remembrance event on November 17, 2023, at the SE Corner of State Road 70 at Tara Boulevard. This location marked 20 years since Mark Wandall’s death at this intersection due to a red-light runner. 

‘Always Stop on Red’ signs displayed in Ocala to reduce red light crash deaths

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) -Drivers in Ocala are being reminded today to always stop at a red light. Ocala city leaders, law enforcement, and several transportation organizations are highlighting the importance of stopping at red lights to limit deaths.

From Tragedy to Triumph - Shug Bury & Melissa Wandall

A young woman, nine months pregnant, lost her husband in a tragic traffic accident because someone ran a red light. Listen in as she shares how she rose up to become light and life for her daughter, began a children’s grief camp and became a driving force for traffic safety.

Navigating The Feelings of Grief and Isolation with Melissa Wandall (Ep. 10)​

The Keep Kids Alive Podcast

In the 25th Episode of the Keep Kids Alive Podcast, Host and Executive Director of KKAD25 Tom Everson talks with Melissa Wandall, President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads.

Sarasota Stories.co

My guest today is Melissa Wandall. She was that story 18 years ago. Newly married, in a new home, and 9-months pregnant, she got a phone call that dramatically changed her life forever.

A Helping Hand: The Mark Wandall Foundation

Click here for complete article on SNN News – The Suncoast News Network

Melissa Wandall speaking at the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee

Melissa Wandall speaking at the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development.

Melissa interviewed at the 35th Annual ACT International Conference.

Melissa interviewed at the 35th Annual ACT International Conference. The International Conference brings together hundreds of TDM professionals from across the United States, Canada, and around the globe.

Curbing the Driver’s Need for Speed - GHSA 2021 Annual Meeting General Session

In the midst of an historic pedestrian safety crisis, the pandemic sparked an unprecedented drop in motor vehicle traffic that should have resulted in a significant drop in crashes, injuries and deaths. But an increase in excessive speeding is plaguing our roadways and putting everyone at risk. At the 2021 GHSA Annual Meeting in Denver, a panel of national experts discussed how we can get drivers to slow down and save lives.

Putting the Brakes on Speeding Now and After COVID-19

Andy Souders – President and CEO, All Traffics Solutions (Moderator).
Jason Farias – Highway Safety Program Coordinator, Rhode Island Dept. of Transportation.
Melissa Wandall – President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads and Campaign Ambassador for Alert Today Florida.

Falls Church News Press - F.C. Police Join Safe Driving Initiative

August 3, 2020 5:15 PM by FCNP.com
The City of Falls Church Police Department is joining the initiative of the National Stop on Red Week, Aug. 2 – 8, 2020.

Created by the Federal Highway Administration, the initiative aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running and to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes. Read more here >> https://fcnp.com/2020/08/03/f-c-police-join-safe-driving-initiative/

A Conversation about Pedestrian Safety Month​

The Daily Drive speaks with road safety advocate Melissa Wandall about Pedestrian Safety month which is this October. Melissa also shares her story which motivated her to address various traffic safety laws. Melissa is an egaging speaker, and her message is worth a listen.

Channel 7 WWSB Sarasota - Stop on Red Week

Channel 7 WWSB Sarasota  –
Article – SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – During National Stop On Red Week, advocates raise awareness of the importance on stopping at red lights.
Read more here >> https://www.mysuncoast.com/2020/08/04/national-stop-red-week/
Video >> https://www.mysuncoast.com/video/2020/08/04/national-stop-red-week/

Local Organizations Work to Help Children Process the Loss of a Loved One

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month and this week Blue Butterfly and the Mark Wandall Foundation partnered to educate parents, grandparents and teachers on the best ways they can be there for children who have experienced a loss. Click here for more

ABC Action News Tampa - Sarasota woman turns grief into motivation to help stop red-light runners

SARASOTA, Fla. — In 2003, Mark and Melissa Wandall were happily married and expecting their first child.

“We weren’t sure what we were having,” said Melissa.
Read more here >> https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/driving-tampa-bay-forward/sarasota-woman-turns-grief-into-motivation-to-help-stop-red-light-runners

STOP! Give Light to Life

October 2003, Mark Jeffery Wandall, a wonderful, loving young man tragically lost his life due to the negligence of a red light runner. His wife, Melissa Wandall was nine months pregnant at the time of the crash…

Channel 7 WWSB Sarasota

Channel 7 WWSB Sarasota  –
Article – SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – During National Stop On Red Week, advocates raise awareness of the importance on stopping at red lights.
Read more here >> https://www.mysuncoast.com/2020/08/04/national-stop-red-week/
Video >> https://www.mysuncoast.com/video/2020/08/04/national-stop-red-week/

The Survivor

Unintentionally he has been pushed aside. He is quiet yet livid but remains sturdy and stoic. He has lost his best friend. He feels the burden that he has taken his sisters husband, his only niece her daddy. He feels disgraced. Will the shame “eat him up” or empower him?

The Miami Project

National Stop on Red Week

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), were joined by Orange County Government and multiple partners on Aug. 10, 2018 at the intersection of Silver Star Road and Pine Hills Road to remind everyone to stop on red, including when making a right turn.

Alert Today Florida

Stop on Red Event Urges Drivers, Pedestrians to Take Precaution on the Road

Representing the National Coalition for Safer Roads during the annual Stop on Red Week with partners Alert Today Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation and other Orlando and Orange County organizations

Driving Down Heartache, Bay News 9

Love Resides in a Roadside Marker. Bay News Channel 9 Interviews Melissa and features www.DrivingDownHeartache.org

Suncoast FYI: The Mark Wandall Foundation's "Evening at the Tower"

In this video Wendy Orlando TMWF Coordinator and I sit down to discuss the importance of serving children, teens and young adults in grief.

NEW Road Safety @ Rush Hour Podcast Available Today

Melissa Wandall, President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads, shares her personal story and explains her journey advocating for red light cameras and the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act in Florida. Listen Now: https://bit.ly/2Vck4mD

Keynote Speaker at Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization

Study Finds Area of North Port, Sarasota and Bradenton, 4th Most Dangerous for Walking in the USA

Sarasota, FL. (WWSB) – The warm weather allows for plenty of outdoor recreation and Florida attracts a high number of senior, snowbirds and tourists. Click here for more