My daughter Candace was killed by drunk drivers on December 26th, 1999. It’s been almost 20 long years and not a day goes by that I don’t have loving, warm, and wonderful thoughts of her. I miss her and long to hold her. She was just 18 years old when she was struck down while walking with friends. It was a hit and run. Candace died at the scene of massive head trauma. Her friends, Brennan, Adam and Dan were there when she was killed. Eventually the men responsible for her death were caught and brought to justice. The first driver received 10 years for driving while intoxicated and the second driver received 5 years for leaving the scene of a crash with a fatality.
My life has changed so much since that time. Both of my surviving children - Christine and Mike - have graduated from the University of Illinois. It was the proudest moment of our lives. My husband, Mike and I stood proud as our son and daughter took their diplomas. They both now have full and productive lives and make us proud of the work they have done to help us with the Candace Wesolowski Memorial Scholarship Fund. We miss Candace each and every day. If only the drunk drivers that killed her made better decisions on that fateful night.
The family of Candace Wesolowski wishes to honor their daughter, Candace, by presenting the Candace Wesolowski Memorial Scholarship to Hinsdale South High School in Darien, IL. Our hope is to spread awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving and that no other family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to such a senseless selfish and destructive act.
Fondly,
Lorraine Wesolowski
Daily Herald, Feb 2003
Daily Herald, 2003
