What an amazing outpouring of support at the rally last week! Over 200 people attended the rally including Maddie’s friends, family members, neighbors, community activists, local politicians, and journalists. The rally received coverage in various local newspapers (Times Ledger, QNS, Patch, Queens Chronical, China Press, Streetsblog) and media outlets (NY1, Channel 7 Eyewitness News).

Many thanks to Senator Tony Avella and Council Member Paul Vallone for speaking at the rally and promising to make changes on both the State and City levels:

• Senator Avella stated that he has set up a meeting with AAA and AARP. He will work towards drafting legislation. Avella said, “We are gonna work together to make sure that we make change, and when we introduce that legislation, the first thing I’m gonna do is call it ‘Madeline’s Law.'”
• Council Member Vallone stated that he would work with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to rename the corner of Utopia Parkway and 16th Avenue “Maddie’s Way” and also promised to redo slow zones and other traffic features around P.S. 209.

We are also grateful for the 109th Precinct for keeping the event orderly and safe. Special thanks to Raul Ampuero for addressing the crowd. Last April, Raul’s 9-year-old son, Giovanni, was killed by an 86-year-old driver making a left turn on Northern Boulevard and 70th Street.

Please continue to support our movement by sharing the petition with others and connecting with us on social media. Use the hashtag #MaddiesMove to join in on the conversation.

Maddie’s Move Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/928074770707323

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/maddiesmove

Finally, we are looking for passionate individuals to join this cause. Please contact Rita Barravecchio (Maddie’s aunt) at ritabarravecchio@hotmail.com if you would like to volunteer your time or share your skills (outreach, social media, research, advocacy, community organizing).

With gratitude,

Maddie’s Move Team