On the evening of Oct. 26, 2003 most people were going about their normal routines, completely unaware of the tragedy that had just occurred.

    The lives of Troy and Alana Pack had just been ended when a driver, who was under the influence of vodka and at least 10 vicodin pills, jumped the curb of the sidewalk and struck them. Troy was 10 years old and in 5th grade at the time, while his sister, age seven, was in 2nd grade. Both attended Sycamore Valley Elementary School in Danville.

    The guilty driver was a nanny who had already received multiple DUIs and obtained that large amount of vicodin by “doctor shopping.” Doctor shopping is a term used when one patient goes to various doctors and convinces each of them to prescribe a drug in order to get more than a monthly quantity of a controlled substance.

    On Oct. 27, 2013 a memorial service was held to commemorate the 10 years that have passed since the accident. Many people came to support one another in remembering this sorrowful time. Family and friends of the children were there to grieve over the lives that were lost too soon.

    Carmen Pack, the mother of Troy and Alana, said that she and Bob, her husband, are coping now, but it was very difficult at first. She has come to the realization that she had no control over the situation, and this eases the pain.

    “I can finally look forward again,” Carmen said.

    The Packs now have a 7-year-old daughter, Noelle, who is a very important part of their lives. Carmen said that she immediately knew she wanted to have children again, and is glad that she could think clearly in the midst of the tragedy and suffering.

    Ten years later, the driver is in jail where she will most likely remain for the rest of her life, but not much has been done to change how this terrible situation was created.

    Bob Pack has proposed a couple of bills that will correct many of the problems that caused this tragic incident, and have resulted because of it. You can read more about these bills and find a location where signatures are being collected on this website: http://www.PackAct.org.