Thursday, April 30, 2009

MADD Florida & Marcus Engel Team Up!

MADD Florida Appoints New Vice Chair
Marcus Engel Accepts Leadership Role

TAMPA, Florida Noted author and motivational speaker, Marcus Engel, has accepted an appointment to the State Operating Council for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Florida. Marcus Engel’s message and MADD’s mission are a natural match,” said Don Murray, MADD Florida’s Executive Director. “His message of being blinded and catastrophically injured by a drunk driver, plus his journey of healing and recovery, are nothing short of extraordinary. We are thrilled to have someone of Marcus’ caliber joining our leadership team!”

On a cold autumn night during his freshman year of college, Marcus’ life was changed forever. A drunk driver, travelling at nearly twice the legal speed limit, struck the car in which Engel and other teenage friends were riding. Blind and facing hundreds of hours of reconstructive facial surgery, Marcus became one of the tens of thousands of Americans injured every year by intoxicated drivers.

Marcus had to endure more as a teenager than most of us will ever have to face in a lifetime,” said MADD Florida’s Council Chair, Mario Murgado. “We’re honored to partner with Marcus and we hope his experiences will help serve as another deterrent for Florida motorists.”

While still restricted to a hospital bed, a feeding tube and respirator, Marcus set his goal: return to college and recapture life. These goals sustained him through two years of medical recovery, a six-month stint at rehab school and one month training with a new Seeing Eye dog.

“This new position will allow me to give something back to MADD,” Engel said. “MADD gave my family so much support and advocacy following my crash. I want to use my resources, experiences and talents to support all of MADD’s missions, specifically the fight against impaired driving and underage drinking.”

Engel began speaking professionally during his senior year of college, sharing his inspirational message of prevention with audiences nationwide. His autobiography, After This… An Inspirational Journey for All the Wrong Reasons has empowered tens of thousands of readers to realize their potential and to strive for personal excellence. His latest book The Other End of the Stethoscope: 33 Insights for Excellent Patient Care” is an inspirational tribute to health care professionals, offering tips on treatment from the patient’s perspective.

For further information on MADD, visit www.MADD.org or www.WalkLikeMADD.org. For more information on Marcus Engel, visit www.MarcusEngel.com or call 314-852-4494.

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