The Next Step Foundation

To raise awareness about the life-altering effects of drinking & driving and empower parents & caregivers of individuals with traumatic injuries & special needs to improve their health by participating in programs geared toward exercise, nutrition & self-love.

Team Brandon provides regional presentations to schools and community groups about life-altering effects of drinking and driving. We speak from the OFFENDER'S point of view since my son was the drunk driver in a 2001 crash, which took the life of his best friend. Brandon, now 36 years old - 6 ft. and 200 #, lives with a severe traumatic brain injury that requires him to depend on me for 24/7 home care. Because Brandon is in a wheelchair and unable to walk or talk, The Next Step Foundation Team Brandon has an unfortunate advantage to grab at the heartstrings of our audience as we encourage people to choose to drive sober. Our presentations are truly effective since Brandon and I present together when sharing our VOW TO DRIVE SOBER message. Audiences are able to see the real-life tragedy right in front of their eyes. They're able to conceptualize the heartbreak versus having a picture painted for them. When people see Brandon and our video, they are emotionally charged to reconsider decisions to drink and drive. Students are often left speechless and teary-eyed. To add value to our program, our primary partners are the local DUI Task Force officers from different cities, who take time to engage our audiences by performing field sobriety tests and sharing real world tragedies. Planning ahead for a safe ride to and from events is our overall communication objective.

Inspired by the beloved Boston Marathon father-son wheelchair team, Dick and Rick Hoyt, Brandon's mother, Cari, started pushing Brandon through marathons to raise awareness about the life-altering effects of drinking and driving. To foster their message, The Next Step Foundation Team Brandon raises funds that allow their foundation to continue spreading their VOW TO DRIVE SOBER message in schools, worksites and communities. Funds cover travel costs (gas, lodging, meals), print materials, and incentives for regional presentations.The funds also allow their foundation to purchase running chairs for special needs families and provide an avenue for them to participate in ongoing racing events with The Next Step Foundation Team Brandon. The ultimate goal of The Next Step Foundation Team Brandon is to become a self-sustaining non-profit organization. Activities to reach this goal include conducting major fundraisers such as Casino Night and/or TOPGOLF.

Testimonials

(1)
To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter for Cari Fonseca and Team Brandon. I had the opportunity to have their presentation shown to my Driver Education students. I was absolutely blown away by its impact, but more importantly, the students were.
The presentation brings reality to topics often discussed regarding the consequences of drunk driving. Cari does a remarkable job of making it relevant. She answers the difficult questions by students, and Brandon's presence makes it even more impactful.
Students all remarked on the impact of Team Brandon's presentation. Many students finally understood the realistic effects of not only drinking and driving, but also made the connections to driving while distracted. We discussed the presentation the next day, and they had many comments and reflections - all were about the transformative nature of the presentation.
What separates this presentation from others is that it is real. It is not just a story being told. Brandon's presence brings it all to life and lets them see firsthand the consequences to this decision. As long as I'm teaching, I want Cari and Team Brandon speaking to our students. Its impact cannot be accurately expressed.

Professionally,
Mark Wood
Psychology, Driver Education, English Teacher
Head Men's Basketball Coach for Liberty High School

(2)
To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to express our appreciation to Team Brandon and The Next Step Foundation for speaking to our group in May of 2015 at our General Meeting. We had boys that ranged from 12-18 years old. The presentation not only had an impact on the boys but the parents as well. I find it incredible that Cari, Arnie and Brandon find the courage to share their tragic experience with various groups within our community. I have the utmost respect at the level of care they offer Brandon and the constant dedication they show with their efforts to raise awareness. It is extremely important. Teenagers need to understand the consequences of their behaviors and choices. Following their presentation, it opens the door for parents and guardians to discuss these topics with their children. As the mother of three boys in their late teens and early twenties, many more conversations regarding the peer pressures that they experience in their high school and college lives occur on a regular basis...