When I learned about the one use can kill statistic I as a mom could not let that go -- it's just too scary. To imagine that a kid would take one chance probably on a dare and then die from that chance made it my goal to change the odds. It began a mission.

So many things have happened since Keith died. The boy that killed Keith was not convicted by the grand jury. He suffered extensive injuries -- lost the full left side of his face including the loss of an eye -- his voice box (he now speaks through a traech) and one lung. Yet despite these injuries he has recovered and is now hold down a job.

The rear seat passenger had multiple leg injuries from the waist down and he has also healed. The accident for this boy had not made a difference as he is still one that goes about doing as he pleases.

The driver now only faces municipal traffic offenses which have yet to be decided on. The most we can hope for is a five year suspension of his driver's license and some community service. Odds are he will not spend one day in jail. We have yet to have any sign of apology or remorse on the part of the driver or his family.

We are pursuing a civil wrongful death case but with the non grand jury verdict our chances of success in this venue are slim to none.

I have been able to gain the attention of Senator A. Bucco of NJ and he along with the help of DA Dangler of NJ are proposing a bill to increase the penalities for the use of inhalants. I am hoping that they will also change the language of the law to include all of the specific chemicals that may harm our children. As the law stands now in NJ it only states the specific offense of sniffing glue.

Take the time to learn about the law in your area -- the fact that the statute as it stands now is non-specific to the many chemicals that may harm our children leaves a loop hole.

The public needs to be educated about the dangers of aerosols. Most adults only know the term 'sniffing'. The kids know the term huffing - whipping, etc. I post a flyer in the windows of my car that says Huffing can Kill You. I was recently stopped by a local town police officer who asked what huffing was! That incident made me only too aware once again how much the public needs to be educated about inhalants.

I am but one person and I urge you to aid me in my quest. Visit Keith's website -- teach your children about what you read -- send his site to school with your children and urge them to let their teachers know about this boy named Keith who did not have to die to become an example -- he already was one.

Margaret - aka Keith's Mom.

For more information call the:
Inhalants Hotline 1-800-322-5585
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition 1-800-269-4237
or visit their site at http://www.inhalants.org