SARAH J. GLOVER / Inquirer Staff Photographer
Melissa Sweeney has a tattoo of her daughter, Jasta, on her left back. Jasta, 4, died when their car was hit by a drunken driver. Melissa, who was left with brain damage, is working hard to regain her life - and memories of her daughter.
Melissa Sweeney's long journey
Melissa Sweeney has been fighting to regain her memory since the night that a drunken driver struck her car, killing her 4-year-old daughter. One thing she is trying to remember: her daughter. Return to the story
'I still got goose bumps talking about it'
Melissa Sweeney and her stepfather, Dominick Dellia, recount the first days after the accident, and how much she has had to overcome to regain her life. Watch the video
A little girl with a big smile
A slide show of Melissa Sweeney, with photos of the daughter she lost, as well as images of her life today. Watch the slide show.
For more information
Brain Injury Association of America
Founded in 1980, the BIAA is the leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury. This group can provide state Web sites, local support groups, and additional links, plus news about upcoming events. 703-761-0750; www.biausa.org
There are also state chapters: www.biapa.org and www.bianj.org
Brain Injury Resource Center
A nonprofit clearinghouse founded and operated by brain injury activists since 1985. This site is operated by group of professionals and advocates who have joined forces to provide educational resources and case-management assistance to individuals who have suffered brain injuries and their families. The site offers a glossary and many other links. 800-444-6443; http://www.headinjury.com/
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
MADD, founded in 1980, is on a mission to stop drunken driving, support the victims of this crime, and prevent underage drinking. This Web site offers statistics, news on the latest laws and legislative efforts to combat drunken driving, and ways to volunteer in the effort to stop drunken driving. www.madd.org
'I still got goose bumps talking about it'
Melissa Sweeney and her stepfather, Dominick Dellia, recount the first days after the accident, and how much she has had to overcome to regain her life. Watch the video
A little girl with a big smile
A slide show of Melissa Sweeney, with photos of the daughter she lost, as well as images of her life today. Watch the slide show.
For more information
Brain Injury Association of America
Founded in 1980, the BIAA is the leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury. This group can provide state Web sites, local support groups, and additional links, plus news about upcoming events. 703-761-0750; www.biausa.org
There are also state chapters: www.biapa.org and www.bianj.org
Brain Injury Resource Center
A nonprofit clearinghouse founded and operated by brain injury activists since 1985. This site is operated by group of professionals and advocates who have joined forces to provide educational resources and case-management assistance to individuals who have suffered brain injuries and their families. The site offers a glossary and many other links. 800-444-6443; http://www.headinjury.com/
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
MADD, founded in 1980, is on a mission to stop drunken driving, support the victims of this crime, and prevent underage drinking. This Web site offers statistics, news on the latest laws and legislative efforts to combat drunken driving, and ways to volunteer in the effort to stop drunken driving. www.madd.org
