DECEMBER 01, 1997 Events of that day has forever changed my life. My life partner of 5 yrs was killed by a Drunk-Driver. While vacationing in Green Bay, Wisconson, we decide to stop at the casino, upon leaving the casino, aprox one block away we stopped at a red light. Before the light changed Green a Drunk-Driver (Lola Smith-Metoxin) rear ended us at 60 mph and our car exploded. My sister was in the front seat, rick decided to set in the back because it was late (1:45 a.m.) and he wanted to get some rest. I got my sister out, she was unconsous, and went back for Rick. I tried to free him from the car, but I couldn't and Rick died. I had him out the back driver side window about half way and I couldn't get him out any further. I was taken to the hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where I stay for aprox 10 days in intensive care. My Lungs were colapsed, all my ribs were broke, second and third degree burns, internal bleeding. With my injuries no one knew how I could have possible have got my sister out and attempted to get Rick out. The police officers came to the emergency room while they were trying to place the chest tubes and wanted to do sobriety test on me. My world just colapsed around me and I felt like I did something wrong. They told me that was standard proceedure in a Homicide. I didn't want to live any more, I could see life without Rick, He was my world and I will always love him. My dad wasn't ready to let go of me, I remember him standing beside my bed begging me to fight. After I got out of the Hospital and went home, I couldn't get around, but when I could, I went to Ricks grave everyday and just set there or layed there for hours. God spare me for a special reason and if it is just to get the word out and help some other victim of these crimes, Than that is my job! There was no insurance to file a claim against, Lola Smith-Metoxin had none, in that area of Wisconsin, Dram shop insurance was not required. I was left with over 100,000 dollars in medical bills, the loss of Rick and no one would help me. I lived in Iowa and had to travel to Wisconsin for court dates etc, There is a VICTIM-WITNESS PROGRAM, but funding is not paid for the Victims expenses for about 3-4 works after the court dates. Which means after a crash like this when everything was already taken from you, and you have nothing, you cannot get to the court dates and have lodging unless you find funds some where else. (Where?) THIS SITE IS FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN A VICTIM OF A DRUNK-DRIVER PLEASE, WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! ANY DONATION'S RECEIVE WILL BE USE FOR GETTING OUR NON-PROFIT STATUS, WHICH CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE AND TO HELP WITH COUSELING, SHELTER, TRANSPORTATION, ECT. FOR ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN A VICTIM OF ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOL AND DRIVING.

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF RICHARD T. COLLINS BORN: SEPTEMBER 06 1955 DIED: DECEMBER 01, 1997