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Prom and graduation season is filled with memorable times for teenagers, but not for me.

When I was 16 on April 10, 1992, a drunken driver hit me head-on.

I was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton for extreme care.

I was not expected to live due to my numerous injuries from head to toe. I had paralysis on my left side, broken and dislocated bones, torn tendons, and the list goes on.

After a month, I became a patient at Golden State Rehabilitation Hospital in San Ramon. I broke from my coma after 100 days and my high fever led to the loss of my hearing capabilities. I daily relearned to talk and walk.

I returned home in November 1992, but my therapy was ongoing. For seventeen months, therapy was in San Jose then at Tracy Hospital.

These difficult and challenging months prevented me from attending school, enjoying prom night, and competing against volleyball and softball high school teams. I was fortunate to graduate in a wheelchair.

As a strong partner with CHP, our goal is to teach teens to stay sober behind the wheel. We make them aware of the extreme damage done to themselves and vehicles when driving drunk.

I speak in the “Every 15 Minutes” program for high schools in three cities. With me, students hear how a drunken driver affects you physically and personally.

This knowledge can prevent such crashes which is a benefit for all.

I urge teens to stay away from alcohol. Let these be events you can reminisce about.


Lori Martin
Tracy, California