The Matthew Kato foundation, a 501 C3 foundation, was formed in memory of our son who was killed by a drunk driver on July 21st,
2004 at 8:55 PM. He was less than 3 miles from home. The foundation has the following goals:
1) Provide Art, Science, and DWI focused scholarships to Rush Henrietta seniors to promote education, public awareness, and prevention of DWI related crimes.
2) Increase public awareness of existing and proposed changes to New York State’s DWI laws and increase visibility of those killed or injured by drunk drivers.
3) Support running and outdoor activities in the Rochester community as a means to encourage family values.
The problem of drinking and driving needs the grass roots support of individuals as well as those businesses who sell alcohol to effectively makes changes and save
lives. We encourage all demonstrate responsible behavior.
2004 at 8:55 PM. He was less than 3 miles from home. The foundation has the following goals:
1) Provide Art, Science, and DWI focused scholarships to Rush Henrietta seniors to promote education, public awareness, and prevention of DWI related crimes.
2) Increase public awareness of existing and proposed changes to New York State’s DWI laws and increase visibility of those killed or injured by drunk drivers.
3) Support running and outdoor activities in the Rochester community as a means to encourage family values.
The problem of drinking and driving needs the grass roots support of individuals as well as those businesses who sell alcohol to effectively makes changes and save
lives. We encourage all demonstrate responsible behavior.
Matthew Kato Foundation
Raising Awareness about the impacts of drinking and driving
| One second, everything can change Stop DWI Exhibit Photos One second, everything can change Channel 10 Interview Video clip of Matthew and his family Remembering Matthew Youtube "SAD Times" Video |
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It has been five years since Matthew's death and I was thinking of him today. I think of him every day. Today I am missing him terribly. He was such a
bright light in our lives and he is missed more than I can describe in words. The ache I often feel in my heart has lessened over the years but will always
remain. I used to want to be with him more than I wanted to continue living. The depression and sadness I felt was overwhelming. My deepest fear in life
was to lose a child. I'm not sure how I survived that dark time. It seemed to go on forever. I'm not sure how my marriage survived. Miraculous things
happen every day. We have God to thank and supportive friends and family. (Good therapists didn't hurt either.) That has passed and now I am
resigned to being amongst the living. Matt visits me in my dreams and I speak to him often. He is not far away. I know that he looks down upon us as we
continue our lives on the earth plane.
I've come to a place of acceptance. I no longer hate the man who killed him. Life is too short for such a destructive emotion. I only hope Mr. Kemp is
taking his rehabilitation seriously and will change his behavior when he is released from prison. Matthew's death was so senseless. And needless.
I now fill my days with activities that bring me life. I care for my granddaughter while her parents work. This brings me more joy and hope than any thing
else in life. I've been working again and that feeds my soul. To be creative again is good.
We speak Matthew's name often, recalling his antics and reliving the joys of his life. He will never be forgotten. He is always on my mind.
Bernadette Kato 11-4-09
bright light in our lives and he is missed more than I can describe in words. The ache I often feel in my heart has lessened over the years but will always
remain. I used to want to be with him more than I wanted to continue living. The depression and sadness I felt was overwhelming. My deepest fear in life
was to lose a child. I'm not sure how I survived that dark time. It seemed to go on forever. I'm not sure how my marriage survived. Miraculous things
happen every day. We have God to thank and supportive friends and family. (Good therapists didn't hurt either.) That has passed and now I am
resigned to being amongst the living. Matt visits me in my dreams and I speak to him often. He is not far away. I know that he looks down upon us as we
continue our lives on the earth plane.
I've come to a place of acceptance. I no longer hate the man who killed him. Life is too short for such a destructive emotion. I only hope Mr. Kemp is
taking his rehabilitation seriously and will change his behavior when he is released from prison. Matthew's death was so senseless. And needless.
I now fill my days with activities that bring me life. I care for my granddaughter while her parents work. This brings me more joy and hope than any thing
else in life. I've been working again and that feeds my soul. To be creative again is good.
We speak Matthew's name often, recalling his antics and reliving the joys of his life. He will never be forgotten. He is always on my mind.
Bernadette Kato 11-4-09