by Davy James, Staff Writer
When a tragic loss occurs in a community, those affected are left to pick up the pieces and carry on.
When 18-year-old Kylie Pinheiro, of Dayton, was killed in a car accident by a drunken driver last December, her loved ones were left to find meaning in their immense grief. The mother of Ms. Pinheiro’s boyfriend, Debbie Costagliola, of Kendall Park, turned to Mothers Against Drunk Driving to help her handle the loss.
”After Kylie was killed one of the first places I turned to was MADD to get clarity,” Ms. Costagliola said. “Their victim’s services provided information which validated my emotions and helped my son deal with his emotions. This is the kind of thing that never happens to you, it only happens to someone else. But then it happens to you. I needed information and MADD was there.”
Ms. Costagliola said she decided to get involved by volunteering for MADD as a way to give back and help prevent another senseless death.
”I witnessed firsthand what goes on in these situations with having no control over what’s going on,” she said. “The best way for me to get my anger out is to act and help MADD get our voices heard.”
On Oct. 11, MADD will hold its signature fundraiser, Walk Like MADD, a 5K walk-a-thon in Philadelphia. The event begins at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In honor of Ms. Pinheiro’s memory, Ms. Costagliola and others started Team Friends of Kylie Pinheiro. They are looking for support and potential walkers. The team has already raised $2,700 and is one of the top money raising teams in the Philadelphia walk, according to Ms. Costagliola.
”This has to do with how Kylie touched so many people,” Ms. Costagliola said. “She inspired us all to do something positive. You don’t get a prize for participating in the walk, you get the feeling of doing something positive and helping. Her parents and cousins are involved as well. We can do this every year as a way to keep her memory alive.”
Officials at MADD said the event is a great way for victims of drunken driving to meet and support each other.
”This event is done in just about every state and it’s a wonderful way for victims, families and supporters to get together, celebrate and memorialize the life of loved ones lost,” said MADD New Jersey Executive Director Mindy Lazar. “This allows us to join forces and raise money for the victims.”
Walk Like MADD is the organization’s chief fundraiser and the bulk of the funds go to MADD’s victim’s services support network. MADD is looking into setting up a Walk Like MADD event in New Jersey, hoping for a date in May.
”The services we offer are no charge to the victims, but it costs us, which is why we need help from the community,” Ms. Lazar said.
The support MADD offered in her time of need was invaluable to Ms. Costagliola, which is why she now does all she can for the organization.
”It’s important for people to know the work MADD does and to try and build that in the community,” Ms. Costagliola said. “This walk is one way to get people to know what MADD does.”
To donate money and lend support to Team Friends of Kylie Pinheiro, go to www.walklikemadd.org, select the city of Philadelphia and look for the team to sign up to be a walker or to make a donation. MADD also needs volunteers from the community. To volunteer or learn more about the services they offer, call 609-409-1220.

