Missouri Southern News Bureau FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2003 Contact: Kelly Wilson (417) 625-9363 E-Mail: News Bureau Voice: (417) 625.9399 FAX: (417) 625.3142 |
JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - Thanks to a joint effort between Missouri's First Lady Lori Hauser Holden and the Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by America's leading distillers, Missouri Southern will host Brandon Silveria at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27 in Webster Hall Auditorium. Brandon Silveria is a young man who, at age 17, was involved in a near fatal crash after drinking at a high school party. After enduring a coma for nearly three months and another three years of painful rehabilitation, Brandon and his father Tony tour America's schools on the behalf of the Century Council. Brandon was so badly injured that basic motor functions such as walking, talking and swallowing had to be re-learned. He has permanent brain injury and suffers from dangerous seizures. Brandon's presentations continue to receive standing ovations from students across the country. "What you become depends on the choices that you make," said Brandon Silveria. "When I was 17, I had a job and a girlfriend. Because of my crash, I lost both of them. My hope is that by sharing my experiences with other young people, I can prevent others from being hurt or killed." Brandon's story has been featured on nationally syndicated "Rescue 911" and "Leeza." NBC's "Today Show" developed a special segment on the Siverias, which was aired to coincide with prom and graduation season. "The story of this young man emphasizes our responsibility to educate children about the dangers of underage drinking and driving and Brandon Silveria's powerful message of turning his tragedy into a triumph has touched millions of high school students across the nation," said First Lady Holden. "In 2002, 83 youths under the age of 21 died in alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Missouri. Until that number is zero," Mrs. Holden says, "We must continue to battle against drunk driving and underage drinking. I'm pleased to lend support to The Century Council's efforts, and I'm grateful Brandon and Tony could come to Missouri." The appearance by Brandon Silveria is free and open to the public. |
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