Our Stories

We Save Lives Celebrates Life

Your story holds immense value and purpose: it preserves the cherished memories of your loved ones while helping others realize they are not alone in their grief. Join We Save Lives by sharing your story and photos that inspire you. We believe that your experience could potentially prevent someone else from driving recklessly. When sharing, please include the victim's and or survivor’s full name, your name, and your relationship to them, but refrain from including links to GoFundMes or other external sites.

We also invite you to share inspirational stories about individuals who have been injured and how they are navigating their journey by completing the form with your tribute.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community as we strive to improve and save lives.

—Candace Lightner

February 9, 2022

Michael Gershe Story

Michael Gershe is a survivor of a drunk driving crash that killed his mother and nearly himself when he was 8 weeks old. Despite breaking almost all his bones in the crash, he went on to become a collegiate swimmer, comedian, speaker, author, college educator and photographer. With over 25 years’ experience on stage as a comedian and speaker, Michael has presented his programs at schools, colleges, military bases and a TedxTalk. He uses humor, audience participation and his story for an educational and inspirational message. In 2015 he founded The Magic of Life Foundation, a non-profit organization, that helps his mission in eliminating impaired driving making communities safer and empowering people to make better choices in life. The foundation has a partnership with the Stow Municipal Court where he presents his program as part of their diversion programs to DUI offenders. The organization’s annual fundraiser honors local law enforcement for their DUI efforts. In 2019, he published his memoir, “The Magic of Life: A Son’s Story After Tragedy, Grief and a Speedo.” One Amazon reader said, “This book will inspire any reader to be a better person! This is one of the best books I have read in a long time!” For more information about Michael and The Magic of Life Foundation, please go to www.themagicoflife.org.

September 19, 2024