Book details Federici's struggle, push for change
SEATTLE -- The mother of Maria Federici hopes a personal account of the story of her daughter will save lives.
On Wednesday Robin Abel released "Out of Nowhere," a new book that tells the behind-the-scenes story of the accident that nearly killed Federici, and their efforts to change road safety laws in order to prevent other tragedies.
In February of 2004, 24-year-old Federici was driving home from work on Interstate 405 when a piece of furniture flew off the trailer being hauled by the car in front of her. The 60-pound piece of particle board flew through her windshield and pulverized her face.
Since then, she's endured more than six years of excruciating surgeries and recovery, with a face of implants, metal plates, screws and prosthetic eyes. She lost her senses of eyesight and smell.
Abel's book, co-written by Peggy Sturdivant, recounts the horrible night she got the call Federici was near death at Harborview Medical Center. The book tells the story of how Federici's face and life were rebuilt, and the efforts to keep it from happening again.
Abel said she's fulfilling a promise made to former King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng.
"He said, 'I'll help you with legislation to make hauling an unsecured load a crime, but it's up to you to get the word out and educate people about the issue,'" said Abel.
The book is her way of doing that. Telling Federici's story has an impact on people.
"I found a personal story made a huge difference and stuck with them," she said. "I wanted to collect all the stories from people involved in it and put them together. My hope is to tell a story so compelling people will change their behavior.
"I wanted them to know what did happen, so when they go to pack that next load, they'll think about Maria, or think about someone else who could be hurt behind them."
Abel signed copies of the book at a release party at the Sorrento Hotel. Though Federici wasn't there, her mother said she's happy, living in a house with her boyfriend and three dogs.
Abel is pledging to work on a national legislation that would outlaw unsecured loads in every state. And she's planning to promote her book and speak anywhere someone will listen.
"My goal is to save lives. That's all that's important to me," she said.
"Out of Nowhere" is available on the website outofnowherethebook.com.
On Wednesday Robin Abel released "Out of Nowhere," a new book that tells the behind-the-scenes story of the accident that nearly killed Federici, and their efforts to change road safety laws in order to prevent other tragedies.
In February of 2004, 24-year-old Federici was driving home from work on Interstate 405 when a piece of furniture flew off the trailer being hauled by the car in front of her. The 60-pound piece of particle board flew through her windshield and pulverized her face.
Since then, she's endured more than six years of excruciating surgeries and recovery, with a face of implants, metal plates, screws and prosthetic eyes. She lost her senses of eyesight and smell.
Abel's book, co-written by Peggy Sturdivant, recounts the horrible night she got the call Federici was near death at Harborview Medical Center. The book tells the story of how Federici's face and life were rebuilt, and the efforts to keep it from happening again.
Abel said she's fulfilling a promise made to former King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng.
"He said, 'I'll help you with legislation to make hauling an unsecured load a crime, but it's up to you to get the word out and educate people about the issue,'" said Abel.
The book is her way of doing that. Telling Federici's story has an impact on people.
"I found a personal story made a huge difference and stuck with them," she said. "I wanted to collect all the stories from people involved in it and put them together. My hope is to tell a story so compelling people will change their behavior.
"I wanted them to know what did happen, so when they go to pack that next load, they'll think about Maria, or think about someone else who could be hurt behind them."
Abel signed copies of the book at a release party at the Sorrento Hotel. Though Federici wasn't there, her mother said she's happy, living in a house with her boyfriend and three dogs.
Abel is pledging to work on a national legislation that would outlaw unsecured loads in every state. And she's planning to promote her book and speak anywhere someone will listen.
"My goal is to save lives. That's all that's important to me," she said.
"Out of Nowhere" is available on the website outofnowherethebook.com.
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