Community Corner

Mom Channels Grief Into Crusade for Safe Driving

Lynn Riordan founded "Matt's Mission Fund" in memory of her son.

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By Lisa Lenkiewicz

Four years ago this month, Matt Picciuto, 18, and just weeks away from graduating high school, was driving on a windy road in North Branford, Connecticut. He was speeding at 80 mph to “catch some air” on a hill when his car flipped over and crashed into a tree. He died on impact.

Since that tragic day, Matt’s mother, Lynn Riordan, has channeled her grief into a crusade against destructive driving decisions and speeding. Summoning strength and courage, she has been on a mission — lecturing at area high schools and driving schools about safe driving. She has also turned her tragedy into a personal gift to her community by creating a nonprofit organization in Matt’s memory dedicated to supporting local students and families in need.

On May 19, Matt’s Mission Fund held another “Matt’s Mission 5K” to raise money for college scholarships and to help children attend summer camps or special events.

Last year's Matt's Mission 5K raised $45,000 for the Matt's Mission Fund. Nearly $100,000 has been raised in the past three years. Other beneficiaries of Matt’s Mission Fund are the North Branford Police Department and the North Branford Fire Department. Donations have been made to families struggling with illness, death or those who have fallen on hard times. Matt's Mission Fund has supported other organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Open Your Heart Foundation.

This year, Riordan spearheaded the placement of 'No Need to Speed' signs on North Branford roadways and encouraged students to wear bracelets with the same slogan.  

Riordan is motivated by her late son, who wrote in his yearbook he wanted to “go to college, get a job, get married, have children, make a difference and live an interesting life.”

"Matthew will never go to college, get a job, get married or have children. But I cannot allow his time here with us to be for nothing," said Lynn, who is the mother of three daughters (Elise, Alexa and Mea) and married to Mark Riordan. "Although Matt did not make it to graduation, he wanted to make a difference. I am going to be sure his life does make a difference — although he is in Heaven and no longer here with us.”

"I am proud to call Matthew Picciuto my son and my heart is happy knowing his life does make a difference every day in the lives of so many," said Riordan. "I will never, ever know just how many lives he has saved." 
   
For more information on Matt's Mission, contact Lynn Riordan at mattsmissionfund@gmail.com.

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