A Mother’s Agony

In Oro Valley, Arizona, Julie Festerling has been on a mission for nearly four years. Her journey began tragically when she lost her daughter, Caitlin, to a distracted driver in a fatal crash back in 2019. Festerling’s pain is palpable as she recalls the heart-wrenching moment she received the news of her daughter’s demise. Caitlin, affectionately known as Lala, was only 21 years old at the time of her death.

The Fatal Day

November 13, 2019, marked the end of Caitlin’s vibrant life, along with her boyfriend Paul Garcia, aged 22, when they were rear-ended by a distracted driver near Shannon Road in Oro Valley. Caitlin, described as a diligent young woman juggling two jobs while being a full-time student, had a promising future ahead of her.

Turning Tragedy into Action

Driven by her profound loss, Festerling embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the perils of distracted driving. She co-founded “Phones Down, Hands Up,” a nonprofit organization aimed at educating the public about the dangers of driving while distracted. Through this initiative, she hopes to prevent others from experiencing the same anguish she has endured.

A Legacy Lives On

As April approaches, marking four years since the organization’s inception, Festerling’s dedication remains unwavering. She initially started volunteering with another local nonprofit before partnering with Garcia’s mother to establish their own organization. Festerling’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with many survivors of accidents crediting Caitlin and Paul as their guardian angels.

Seeking Justice

Despite the passage of time, the quest for justice continues. Janna Brianne Giron, the woman accused of causing the fatal crash, rejected a plea deal in December. Her trial is scheduled for June, offering a glimpse of hope for closure to Festerling and all those affected by this tragedy.

Honoring Caitlin and Paul

In the wake of unspeakable loss, Julie Festerling’s determination to honor the memory of her daughter Caitlin and her boyfriend Paul Garcia serves as a beacon of hope. Through “Phones Down, Hands Up,” she channels her grief into meaningful action, striving to prevent further tragedies caused by distracted driving. As the trial approaches, the community stands in solidarity with Festerling, seeking justice for Caitlin, Paul, and all victims of distracted driving accidents.

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