Dianne L. Anderson's Comments

My heart goes out to you and your family I have thought of you many times since learning of your daughters accident. I want to thank you all for the amazing work you have done. I know it comes with many rewards and also a tinge of sorrow. It is a worsened tragedy when it could of and should have been avoided. I'm amazed by and inspired by your family and friends! Thank you for you kind thoughts and I look forward to speaking to you more!

Hey Dianne, sorry I haven't replied for so long. What with work and everything I've been flat out.

Just wanted to give you an update on my Rach'.

She is still with me, and even though we've had our ups and downs since she came back home, things are going great :). She's stopped hanging around with the crowd she was getting in trouble with and has really knuckled down. 

She has a new boyfriend that I consider a lovely, down to earth bloke. He works hard, is very respectful, and most of all is great for Rach'.

This week she is attending a course run by a local recruitment agency that helps young people get back on the right track. If she passes this one, she can then complete a 3 month book keeping and secretarial certificate that will hopefully open up some doors in her life.

She's really having a go Dianne ! I've not seen her try so hard in years.

 

As far as some Aussie guys meeting Casey and one becoming "sweet" on her. That made me smile :) Mate I can imagine my Son, (he's 20 now) wandering around NYC like a lost puppy. He would have been in awe of the place and meeting someone like Casey ? He would have most likely fallen in love in an instant. So nice to know they kept in touch.

I just watched the link in your last message. WOW ! It honestly had me in tears mate. Here's hoping that your message is being understood by kids all over the planet.

I've been doing my head in trying to work out what I can do to help your cause ? I'm a fan of fast cars, but only on the track mate, and I actually Marshall at race events here in Aus'.

So.....I've forwarded your link to everyone at CAMS, (The Confederation of Australian Motorsport), and hope to have some sort of link applied to there safety site. I'm only a tiny cog in the scheme of things things within this organisation, but they do a wonderful job re road safety here in Aus'.

I couldn't think of any other way to help, and I can't guarantee anything, but we'll see how it goes.

Anyway mate, take care and keep up your wonderful work.

I'll get in touch if I have any news from CAMS.

Cheers,

Simon 

Hey Dianne,

Thanks for reading my message and also for your heartfelt reply.

I'm glad to have been influenced by Casey's story.

 

Just the other day I showed this site to one of my Daughters, Rachel.

She's what I like to explain to others as "a little off track" right now.

Truth be told she's running amok and getting into all sorts of trouble, with no true understanding of where that can lead, or how it effects those around her.

 

I can honestly say she was touched in a way I haven't seen for a very long time mate.

For a few minutes I saw the true Rachel, the one I used to know, the caring one, and that night we had a great talk about where we are all going in life.

Rach' has since decided to move home with me, and we are taking it one step at a time but so far so good :)

 

Now I'm not about to say Casey's story suddenly changed Rachel because no one changes instantly, and in all honesty there's much more going on than that.

Another little influence didn't hurt though.

 

I still haven't had time to look around your site properly, or work out how I can help, but I'll get round to it once work slows down a bit.

 

All the best mate,

Simon and family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for all your support! I was second runner up in the pageant and I also won talent, swimsuit and the hostess award. Additionally, to do more work with my platform I have reached out to the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in NJ and propose a plan to include the new Pedestriann Law in drivers education courses for students in high school just learning to drive and put an ennd to distracted driving. To further my platform and work towards the next pageant, in the fall I will be attending local primary, elementary, and middle schools and teaching kids proper ways to cross the street. Thank you so much for all of your support. I am truely greatful for everything.

 

Thank you.

Thank you so much! In order to be in Miss New Jersey I need to win Miss Cape May County and winning Miss NJ sends you to Miss America! I would love your help posting the pageant on the event page. I have been doing lost of research lately and I am definitly going to expand my platform with distracted driving in addition to pedestrian safety. Thank you so much for everything!

 

Kiersten

Hello, Mrs. Feldman, is has been quite a while, I miss you guys.  I am in summer mode right now so I am currently not taking classes.  I have not been on here in a while but I am definitely in for whatever it is you are doing for the day of service. Hope you are well.

Hello Dianne.

No, I didn't know Casey at all and I guess it seems a bit strange having a guy half way round the world joining your site.

I stumbled across it while searching for "Casey Stoner", the Aussie motorcycle champion. Somehow I ended up at a site called Smugmug and read your Daughter's story there.

I must say I was saddened and feel deeply for your loss. She seemed like a wonderful person with her whole life in front of her. I have 18 year old Daughters and honestly don't know how I would cope in similar circumstances. I live in a rural area with many old, unlit country roads and we suffer a higher than average death rate among our young people. Only last month we lost 2 teenagers and a Mum in separate accidents.

I'm amazed at the courage your Family has shown in turning a terrible tragedy into such a worthy and well managed cause. It's a fantastic tribute, and does your Daughter's memory proud.

I felt compelled to join your site and congratulate you on your strength, and purpose. I wish I could do more than offer kind words, but I simply had to let you know that even though Casey is no longer with you, her story is being felt as far away as Australia.

All the best mate, Simon

I'm getting ready to compete in the Miss America pageant. As a contestant, I need your help to raise money for Children's Miracle Network and the Miss America Scholarship Fund. Please help me reach my goal of $100.00 by clicking on the link below. Your donation will be considered a charitable donation for tax purposes and a receipt will be provided at the end of the year.
 
https://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=17361F4+C67AF81C6&e=ED34

Once you have completed a secure on-line donation, your donation will be included in my fund raising total on my personal page. To help even further you can forward this message on to other friends and family to help me in my fund raising efforts. My personal page will track my results and provide a comparison to other contestants.

This year the Miss America Organization has teamed up with Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. This new partnership gives each contestant the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for two great organizations - Miss America Organization and Children's Miracle Network.
 
In addition, my platform is Pedestrian Safety in memory of Casey A. Feldman. If I win the title, I plan on raising awareness of the importance of Pedestrian Safety and share Casey's story.

If you have any questions, please email me at kierstenleigh@yahoo.com

Thanks for your support
Kiersten Stephens

Hi Mrs. Anderson,

 

I was a year older than Casey at SHS.  Casey and I participated in yearbook, musicals and STW together especially throughout my senior year.  I was one of the stage managers in "Our Town" and a dancer/singer in "Grease."  Melissa Moritz, my "cousin,"  and Casey were quite close and I always enjoyed hanging out with their crowd of girls in high school. 

 

To be completely honest, I was hesitant to join the site right away because I only knew Casey through our extra-curricular activities.  This year was my first year of teaching and I found myself telling her story to my (soon-to-be driving) students and there was some sort of driving force telling me that I should continue to tell her story.  A few of my students wrote research papers on distracted driving, texting while driving, and drunk driving using some of the articles on your website to assist with their research.  

 

I plan to join the "Walkers and Runners for Causes."  My first big race will be the Philly Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  Casey did so much good for others and her memory will truly live on in my heart.  Thank you for opening your site to all. 

Hi there! Sorry we haven't spoke in awhile! College and rowing had taken over my life for the past few months. I had a great year with success in school as well as rowing. I just wanted to let you know I will be competing in Miss Cape May County on July 2nd with my platform as Pedestrian Safety and sharing Casey's story. I will be sure to keep you updated on everything.

-Kiersten Stephens

Just popping in to say hi! Still hard to believe how much this network has connected so many different people, all because of Casey. Always thinking of her and how she has brought me many new and rekindled friendships!

Dianne and Joel a very nice awards ceremony for the two of you at Centerton Golf Club. A well deserved award for your outstanding work in memory of Casey. She was very lucky to have two very dedicated and loving parents. Love, Susan

Dianne thanks again for taking all those pictures of the Hildebrand reunion. We love the pictures and will have them for our memories.

it did happen in broad daylight it was about 2:10 in the afternoon, I was walking home from school. I'm not too sure about the driver..he was 16 and is a grade ahead of me at my school. he did have 2 or 3 friends in the car with him so they assume it was distraction that caused it. I do feel very fortunate to be here and thank god every day for that :)

thankfully I wasn't injured too badly, the car struck me in the knees so that's my main problem. I was unable to walk for a few days but now 8months later I can walk but not as much or often as I used to be able to. the doctors did say that they will recover fully it's just a matter of time so I am just being patient to see when the time comes. I also hit my head on the windshield and still had a little bump, I got a severe concussion and most the symtoms are gone but they won't be fully gone until the end of the year. I got some road rash that is still visable and some scars. my family and I are very blessed that it wasn't anything worse than this. it's tough to stay positive sometimes, I feel as if it really shouldn't have happened to me, which it shouldn't happen to any of us. I'm just happy I made an impact because it means I somewhat made a difference. I just hope it sticks with people and that they really realize how easily it can be prevented and how much it changed my life.

Di, Is there a link for the Seventeen picture/article regarding Casey/Amber? I have tried to find it on the magazine's website but can't find it yet.

Love you and thanks.

Jim

Thank you so much for your welcome! I was reading 17 magazine yesterday and i got really excited when i read about this organization. I was actually struck by a car this January, and am fortunate to still be here. I am so sorry about your loss, and unfortunetly things like this have to happen to bring awareness to others. I didn't make as big of an impact on my community, but i know it brought up awareness which is what me and my family wanted. Pedestrian accidents can be 100% prevented if you just keep your eyes on the road. I really hope this site brings awareness to everyone on how much this can affect our lives. Your family will be included in my prayers :)

Dear Dianne: Thanks so much for your response and welcome. Like I had said, seeing the pictures of Casey in Ocean City moved my family. To actually see what you have done in her memory is so wonderful and a beautiful tribute not only to her, but of your bond as a family. Casey wouldn't have been who she was without such a loving, wonderful family. No matter how long they are here, children are a gift from God and seeing what you have done has inspired me not to take for granted a moment with them. Please visit the Luca John Foundation web page my nephew has designed. Little Luca was only with us for a few short hours, but so much good has come out of his short life that some people never achieve in 80 years of living! The same with Casey. I remember a poem: lovliest of lovely things are they on earth that soonest pass away; the rose that lives its little hour is prized beyond the sculptured flower.
I will check on this website regularly to see if there are any projects we can get involved in to help Casey's cause. I'll keep you informed of my "fostering" status for the animal shelter. In the meanwhile, my regards and prayers to you and yours.

Dianne and Joel,
Had a great time at your house on July 17th. It was quite a memorable occasion. You and Joel held up really well on that evening. I don't know that I could have been as strong. You two have surely made a difference in the world for Casey. My friend who has jury duty at the court house sees her picture daily, and sends her love and support to you. It has been a busy week with Curt, and Salem is a good 35 to 4o minute ride,but we will get a picture taken soon. We plan to visit Aunt kit and Uncle Bob so we will try to work it around dusk. Be patient. We will get there. Lots of love to you, Joel, and of course Brett.