From Rita Saucier

From Rita Saucier, anti-hazing activist (C.H.A.D.--Cease Hazing Activities and Deaths) and mother of Chad who died following a big brother/little brother bottle exchange at Auburn University: 25 years ago a young mother, struggling with the tragic death of her
precious son, an unacceptable explanation for his death and an unceasing
desire for the truth took her incredible courage, integrity, compassion,
determination and strength and began a phenomenal journey that has made a
difference in the lives of people all over the world.

Eileen, you came into my life almost 10 years ago.

Friday, December 10, 1993 a knock at my front door at 3 in the morning
changed my life forever. My 19-year-old son, Chad was dead as a result of
fraternity hazing and no one would tell me what happen. I began my devastating
journey of a bereaved parent and my quest for answers into the world of
Greek life.

The pain of losing your child is unbearable. I wanted to die myself. My
heart physically hurt as though someone had reached inside my body and torn
a part of my heart out. Trying to handle the grief was hard enough but not
knowing what happened the night Chad died added to the burden. I prayed to
God for help.

God sends a USA Today newspaper. There on the front page is an article
about the founder of C.H.U.C.K., Eileen Stevens. I say a prayer of thanks
and pick up the phone.

Eileen, I wish that neither you nor I had to take the journeys that we have
had to but we did. Today I want to thank you for the difference you made
in my life. I want to tell you how much I appreciate all of your work
throughout the past 25 years and the changes you made happen. You took
your own devastating pain and chose to help others in a positive way. What
a wonderful tribute to your precious son, Chuck. Although he only lived a
short time on earth he is still reaching out to others and making a
difference.

Eileen, I remember my first phone call to you as if it were yesterday. I
reached out to you in pain and you offered me comfort and support. You
listened as I told my story, waited patiently as I cried and talked to me
with such compassion. Your voice was like a soothing prayer. There is no
way I can tell you how much that conversation meant to me. If that had
been the only time we had talked you still would have made a tremendous
difference in my life and I thank you.

But there was no way I was going to let you out of my life. I knew you
were a kindred spirit and I needed an angel in my life. Throughout the
years you have always offered me exactly what I have needed. You are my
hero, my friend, my mentor and my supporter. You offer me peace when I am
weary, guidance when I am lost, condolence when I am grieving and laughter
when I am sad.

Eileen Stevens, thank you for the difference you make in life.

With Chad's Bear Hugs, Rita Saucier