Shared Experiences.

  • The Gweedo Memorial Foundation works tirelessly to influence the decisions of young people in Virginia. I would like to share with you a little about how it has impacted me, and how I hope to help influence others moving forward. Tammy Gweedo has not only turned her heartbreak and pain into something that has purpose for everyone around her but has made due on her promise of saving lives. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of her ongoing journey and by hearing Conner's story, my perspective has changed. The impact from the first time of hearing this story to the second is significant. It’s gut wrenching to know how fast a life can be taken from this earth, but after letting it sink in, I realized how fast a life could be saved by practicing safe driving. Having a part in this foundation has changed my life. I will never get in a car now without thinking about Conner and what I can do as an individual behind the wheel to help possibly save my life or someone else’s. Conner might not be here with us today but with his memory and the help of his mom, they are making the biggest difference. They are saving lives.

    — McKenzie Sperber, student

  • Recently, Tammy spoke at our school about the importance of safe driving, but most importantly driving with a license. Her speech at our school really altered the way I view life, because within seconds her son was taken from her in such a violent way. This outlook has caused me to always consider the consequences of my actions before I commit them, and how they would affect my loved ones. I really appreciate the time she took to spend at our school speaking out about things that altered her life so dramatically, to hopefully keep us and our loved ones safer.

    — Addison Duplantier, student

  • As me and my peers listened to the presentation Tammy performed at our high school we learned about why it is important to speak up to not just risky drivers but to any sort of conflict that could hurt ourselves or others around us. The story brought many to understand the speaker's points and views and I believe that everyone took something out of the address. Throughout Ms. Tammy's presentation I learned the values of safe driving and its importance especially to student drives.

    — Caraline Spell, student

  • I highly recommend Tammy as a speaker on driver and passenger safety. She shares her son’s story with heartfelt compassion, creating a powerful and personal connection with students. Her genuine concern for their well-being is evident, and her message truly resonates. Tammy’s dedication to promoting safety among young people is both inspiring and impactful.

    -Kimberly Redd Gordon, M.Ed.