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AAA Foundation
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Welcome — and thank you for being here.
Whether you arrived here out of curiosity, through a personal connection, or because you or someone you love is navigating the challenging path of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), know this: you are not alone. We're here to support, inform, and stand beside you every step of the way.
Our journey began on December 22, 2022, when our vibrant 4-year-old daughter, Addi, was struck by a vehicle while enjoying Christmas lights with her family. In that instant, our lives changed forever.
Addi sustained a Grade 3 Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)—one of the most severe forms of TBI—along with a fractured skull and displaced cervical vertebrae. She was given a mere 0.07% chance of survival. Yet, against all odds, Addi survived and continues to inspire us with her resilience.
Her story ignited our mission: to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and advocate for those affected by TBIs.
In 2023, 7,318 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic incidents across the United States. While this represents a 5.4% decrease from the previous year, it's still 14.1% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Alarmingly, pedestrian fatalities have surged by 77% since 2010, outpacing the increase in overall traffic deaths. Factors contributing to this rise include:
Each year in the U.S.:
TBIs are a leading cause of death and disability, particularly among individuals under 45. Despite their prevalence, TBIs often go unrecognized, earning the moniker "the silent epidemic."
In response to these alarming trends, we established Addi's Miracle TBI Advocacy & Pedestrian Awareness and Survivors Against Distracted Driving. Our goals are to:
If you're seeking information, support, or simply someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make our roads safer and provide hope to those affected by traumatic brain injuries.
With determination and hope,
Katie & The Advocacy Team
Sources:
In 2023, drivers struck and killed 7,318 pedestrians in the United States, a 5.4% decrease from the previous year. However, this figure remains 14.1% higher than in 2019, indicating a persistent and alarming trend . Between 2010 and 2022, pedestrian deaths surged by 77%, far outpacing the 22% increase in all other traffic fatalities .
Governors Highway Safety Association+1Governors Highway Safety Association+1CDC+2Financial Times+2NeuroSkills+2
Contributing factors include:
Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., yet it remains underrecognized. Each year, approximately 2.5 million Americans visit emergency departments due to TBIs, with 282,000 hospitalizations and 56,000 deaths .
Key statistics:
Despite these staggering numbers, public awareness remains low, and resources for prevention and rehabilitation are insufficient.
In response to these crises, we established Addi's Miracle TBI Advocacy & Pedestrian Awareness and Survivors Against Distracted Driving. Our objectives are:
We believe that by sharing Addi's story and the stories of countless others, we can drive meaningful change. If you're seeking information, support, or ways to get involved, please reach out. Together, we can create safer roads and a more informed public.
Katie & The Advocacy Team
Sources: