The beautiful and wonderful life of Fred Leon “Mitchie” Mitchell III began in Fort Hood, Texas on Thursday, October 3, 1985.  Mitchie was a happy and healthy child who was considered at birth to be a miracle child and a blessing from God. Mitchie's determination to succeed and make an impact on society started early in his life.  Mitchie began walking at eight months and shortly after the precious age of three was paralyzed below the waist as a result of his biological father driving drunk and crashing while returning him home after a weekend visitation.  From the date of the crash on September 17, 1989, Mitchie underwent more than 100 operations and spent more than 1000 days in hospitals undergoing surgeries and treatments.  His injuries from the crash included a broken back, ruptured lower intestines, a ruptured colon, a ruptured spleen and pancreas, a broken right femur, massive contusions on his buttocks and other parts of his body.

This experience kindled within Mitchie and his mother, Joyce Adejumo, a passion to become outspoken and fervent advocates for tougher laws against driving while intoxicated (DWI).  Working with Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Mitchie and Joyce helped to educate the public, policy makers, and DWI offenders about the consequences of drunk driving and its debilitating impact on society. Their heart wrenching and powerful story have made a tremendous impact on people; as well as a profound impact on public policy as it relates to DWI in Texas.

In August of 2002, Mitchie was diagnosed with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE). This rare brain disorder is a slow-viral infection of the central nervous system associated with prior measles infection. The onset of SSPE generally occurs in late childhood or adolescence and is commonly characterized by the insidious onset of mental deterioration. Although spontaneous improvement or stabilization can occur, the vast majority of patients proceed over a period of months to years to generalized convulsions, dementia, coma, and often death. As a result of this disease, Mitchie lost his ability to speak and had limited upper body movements.

In spite of his disabilities, Mitchie was able to graduate from high school. Hundreds of friends, family members and supporters turned out to congratulate Mitchie on his graduation from Westwood High School in Austin, Texas on May 28, 2004. That day was named “Mitchie Mitchell Day” by Austin Mayor Will Wynn.

...and the Angels of the Lord descended from Heaven to take him home Mitchie Mitchell died on the morning of Sunday, January 28, 2007.  I miss and love him more than words could ever express.  He was my only child and now he is home with the Lord. No more pain, no more suffering, my baby has gone home.  Each day I prayed for a miracle for my son, I wondered if God was listening. I know now that God listened to all my prayers.  Each day that Mitchie opened his eyes was a miracle, and now, he is totally healed.  If you are reading this, God has blessed you this day with a miracle....He woke you up.  - Joyce Adejumo

Visit the Mitchie Mitchell Foundation at www.mitchiemitchell.org. 

Contributions of Mitchie Mitchell to the citizens of Texas

Mitchell vs. State of Texas
Mitchie's case was the first in the state in which a vehicle was ruled as a deadly weapon to convict in a felony DWI crash.

Administrative License Revocation (ALR) - 1993 Senate Bill 1
Mitchie and Joyce successfully lobbied for the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Bill signed by Gov. Ann Richards. Mitchie was on hand during the signing to witness the bill that provides immediate suspension of a person’s driver's license if found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Texas Punishment Standards Commission - 1993
Mitchie's case highlighted the serious inadequate sentencing of DWI crimes. DWI offenders of serious DWI crashes, like Mitchie's case, would receive only 60 days of imprisonment. Mitchie's story helped impose up to a 10-year sentence with serious bodily injury along with making it a 3rd degree felony.

08 Legal Limit - 1999 Senate Bill 114
Mitchie and Joyce successfully lobbied the Texas Legislature to lower the blood alcohol content level from .10 to .08. This bill was signed into law by then LT Gov. Rick Perry. Mitchie and Joyce were there as invited guests to witness the enactment of this law.

Open Container - 2001 House Bill 5
Mitchie and Joyce successfully lobbied the passage of the Open Container Bill, which makes it illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage container in a moving vehicle.

Mitchie - A true blessing from God.