WWW.HELPJACQUI.COM

Jacqueline Saburido was taking a break from college and industrial engineering classes when she came to the United States from Venezuela to study English. A drunk driving crash changed her life completely.

Severely disfigured in a drunken driving crash four years ago, Jacqui is courageously lending her story and her face to a statewide anti-DWI campaign in Texas in hopes that her experience will deter people from drinking and driving. She is featured in television public service announcements, an educational video and print materials produced by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Austin Police Department. "Before and After" campaign materials can ordered from the Help Jacqui Fund.

THE CRASH
Early on Sunday morning September 19, 1999, Jacqui -- then 20 years old -- and four friends were on their way home from a birthday party. Reggie Stephey, an 18-year-old high school student, was on his way home from drinking beer with some buddies. On a dark road on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, Reggie's SUV veered into the Oldsmobile carrying Jacqui and the others. Two passengers in the car were killed at the scene and two were rescued.

Within minutes, the car caught fire. Jacqui was pinned in the front seat on the passenger side. She was burned over 60% of her body; no one thought she could survive. But Jacqui lived. Her hands were so badly burned that all of her fingers had to be amputated. She lost her hair, her ears, her nose, her left eyelid and much of her vision. She has had more than 50 operations since the crash and has many more to go.

In June 2001 Reggie Stephey was convicted of two counts of intoxication manslaughter for the deaths of Jacqui's two friends. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $20,000.

Jacqui's ordeal and her story in pictures are featured in an extensive account prepared by the Austin American Statesman and Jacqui's Story, a powerful PowerPoint presentation. See and hear what Jacqui and Reggie have to say about the incident that changed both of their lives.

JACQUI'S LIFE NOW
Medical treatment for Jacqui's extensive injuries continues. She and her father, who has been by her side since the crash occurred, now live in Louisville, Kentucky where specialists are working with Jacqui to restore all her vision and the use of her hands. Thanks to surgeons who rebuilt the eyelid that she lost in the fire and the cornea transplant in 2003, Jacqui is now able to see out of her left eye.

In 2003 Jacqui completed her studies in intensive English and she is now able to speak and write in English. When she can, Jacqui continues to tell her story through news interviews and speak out against drunk driving.

HOW YOU CAN HELP JACQUI
Jacqui's medical bills are staggering, and she has no health insurance. A special account has been established to help defray some of her living expenses and medical bills. If you would like to help, you can make a donation by check or credit card.

Make Donation

Cards or letters can be sent to Jacqui at:
Help Jacqui
PO Box 27667
Austin, TX 78755.

FACT
Safety experts say three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.

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