Thousands Walk Like M.A.D.D. At Tropical Park
MIAMI-DADE (CBSMiami) – About 1,000 people gathered in Tropical Park Saturday morning to "walk like M.A.D.D."
The walkathon was an emotional fundraising event to help Mother's Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D) continue its education platform and bolster support for families whose loved ones were killed by drunk drivers.
"I carry her heart in this picture and carry her heart in my heart," said Daymarie Melendez about her daughter, Krystine Bermudez, who was killed by a drunk driver. Melendez said police believe the driver, Eusebio Duarte Guido, is responsible. Guido continues to evade capture by police.
"This man had two licenses," she said. "On one, two DUIs, and on the other, he killed my daughter and another man."
That is why Melendez, along with about 1,000 others, gathered in Tropical Park in Southwest Miami-Dade Saturday morning to participate in the M.A.D.D walkathon.
"Some ran the 5k and others walked, but they were hugging and sharing their stories," said M.A.D.D. Executive Director Janet Mondshiem.
Joined by dozens of people chanting her daughter's name, Angela Camacho was overwhelmed by the support she's been given by friends and the M.A.D.D. organization.
"They have just supported us so much. We had to come out and participate in this as a way to give back to them," said Angela Camacho. Her daughter, Kaely Camacho, was killed by a drunk driver in 2012.
"M.A.D.D. is here to help the families and it's fantastic," said Lisa Smith, whose husband, a state trooper, was killed by a drunk driver more than a decade ago. "I am here walking for my husband, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Robert Smith."
With each step, Smith and her family felt a little closer to feeling closure, something Melendez says she can only dream about and continue to fight for.
"I will never have another daughter. She was my only child, and I will miss her forever. But I'm asking you to please look at me and help me capture this man," Melendez said.
