10/15/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Two mothers who have lost sons in alcohol-related tragedies will visit the Michigan State University campus on Wednesday, Oct. 17, to speak about the consequences of high-risk drinking. Their presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the MSU Auditorium.
The visit coincides with National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and is sponsored by the American Campus and Alcohol Team and the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety.
Cindy McCue, the mother of Bradley McCue, and Shawn Newstead, the mother of Brandon D'Annunzio, seek to educate the audience about the risks associated with "celebration drinking," the consumption of alcohol at celebratory events such as birthdays and graduations.
Drawing on their personal experiences, they will explain the effects of alcohol on the body, describe the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, discuss the responsible use and non-use of alcohol, and take questions from the audience.
Bradley McCue was an MSU student who died of acute alcohol poisoning on Nov. 5, 1998, after drinking 24 shots in two hours on his 21st birthday. D'Annunzio was celebrating at a friend's bachelor party at an East Lansing bar when he was assaulted. He died of his head injuries on Oct. 11, 2000.
"We are very honored that Mrs. McCue and Mrs. Newstead have agreed to speak to our community on a topic that is so personally painful to them," said Jasmine Greenamyer, a health educator at the university's Olin Health Center. "They are performing a great public service by heightening awareness of the tremendous risks associated with the misuse of alcohol. Their presentation has the potential to save lives."
Following her son's death, McCue and her husband, John, established B.R.A.D. (Be Responsible About Drinking), a not-for-profit corporation based in Clarkston. MSU and B.R.A.D. collaborate on a number of projects designed to educate college students about the dangers of high-risk drinking, including birthday cards with a safe drinking message sent to all MSU students the month they turn 21.
Newstead lives in Livonia and often speaks to groups about alcohol and violence.
In addition to their MSU visit, McCue and Newstead also plan to speak at area high schools and at a meeting of the Responsible Hospitality Council, a voluntary coalition of local bar and tavern owners.