Hilltopper Advantage Workshop Series

Pre-Spring Break Event

Unforgettable Journey with Sarah Panzau

• Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in Jones Auditorium
• 7 – 8:30 PM
• Space is limited

Sponsored by Brown Distributing and the Alcohol & Other Drug Task Force

Sarah Panzau is a former two-time All-American volleyball player in college. Her life forever changed on August 23, 2003, when she was in a near fatal car accident. On the road, she was clinically dead and was given no chance of survival. After spending two weeks in a coma, four weeks in intensive care and enduring 30 surgeries, the list of injuries included a left arm amputation, fracture of the maxilla, degloving of the back of her head and neck, liver laceration, severed ear and countless life-threatening infections.

Panzau talks about how her injuries were self-inflicted as she made the decision to get in her car with a blood alcohol level of 0.308 which is nearly four times the legal limit in the state of Illinois. Her decision to drive while under the influence was one in a series of poor choices. She withdrew from school, lived only for the moment and had no purpose in life. She became a bartender and neglected those close to her including family, friends and former teammates.

Panzau talks about being reminded daily about the consequences of her ill-advised decisions when she gets dressed, looks in the mirror, and endures continuous stares. Life came easy to Panzau before her accident. Athletic, attractive, confident, valued and well-liked, Panzau is now a walking miracle committed to helping others from making her mistakes. She speaks across the country about underage drinking, driving under the influence, peer pressure, values, courage and determination. More than 30,000 people have benefited from her story.

Come hear her unforgettable story and courageous way she turned her life around.