Twenty Five Years of Saving Lives

Do you ever ask yourself, “What are the things most important to me? Am I doing everything I can to make sure that I obtain those important milestones?”

For the past 25 years, Primary Children’s Hospital’s Hold On To Dear Life® Campaign has had its own wishes and milestones to accomplish. Spreading safety messages and prevention resources to others has been a priority in order to prevent death and injury to children.

In 2005, the Spot the Tot program was launched at the hospital as part of the Hold On To Dear Life® campaign. It touched many families that had lost a child or had nearly lost a child as the result of a driveway backover.

One day, sometime later, I was asked to do a media interview about a tragic driveway backover that had occurred the night before. As I made my way to the hospital lobby to meet the news crew, entering through the main hospital doors I saw my dear friends and neighbors walking in. I felt my legs buckle as I approached them with the terrifying question, “What are you doing here?”

Much to my sadness and shock, I had been asked to speak about their grandchild who had been backed over the evening before. Oh, how was I going to speak about something so personal and life-changing? Trying to regain my composure, I met with the media to share preventative and awareness messages about our Spot the Tot program. Later in the day, I gratefully learned that the child had survived the backover incident, not without some horrific injuries. That is one of those moments I will never forget.

The HOTDL campaign reminds us of the things most important in life! We are often reminded through print and media presentations that we must do our part to obtain the important dreams, desires and milestones – a safe and healthy life being paramount on the list.

As we celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of HOTDL, join with me in making safety and protection for children one of your priorities. Supervision and provision of safety equipment and its proper use are important as we navigate the path to success. Creating a culture of safety is something each one of us can do if we choose to. Kids will be kids but as adults, it is our challenge to keep them safe and to HOLD ON TO DEAR LIFE.

About the Author

Janet Brooks

Janet has worked as the Child Advocacy Manager at Primary Children’s for 18 years. She manages the Hold On To Dear Life® educational and advocacy campaign. Janet is a Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor and an instructor in transporting children with special health care needs. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, five children, four in-laws, and six beautiful grandchildren.

Share This Article