‘Pain into purpose’: Jacksonville woman starts non-profit after daughter killed by DUI driver

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Alysia Littlejohn was just 20-years-old when her life was taken from her by an impaired driver. In fact, it was Alysia’s driver who got behind the wheel intoxicated, before crashing into an SUV and killing her and three other people in the vehicle.

Now, 24-year-old Blake Delapaz is serving a 15-year jail sentence for four counts of DUI manslaughter and one count of DUI resulting in serious bodily injury.

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Elinor Littlejohn, Alysia’s mother, said it took her while to get past the anger of what had happened to her daughter. Eventually, she chose to turn it into something positive, starting a non-profit to raise awareness about the dangers of riding with an intoxicated driver.

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“In order to survive for me, I needed to turn my pain into purpose,” Elinor told Action News Jax. “It’s not Blake’s story, it’s Alysia’s story. It’s our story.”

That purpose has now become “In the Blink of an Eye,” the non-profit made in Alysia’s honor.

The non-profit’s website states the organization aims to “share Alysia’s tragic story with as many grade schools, colleges and community organizations in efforts to educate on the negative impacts of making poor choices that lead to many devastating and life changing consequences.”

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Additionally, the non-profit also provides a “self-care fund,” for those dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy like Elinor and Alysia’s.

“Going forward, you know, some people might have kids, some people just need to live and survive. And I think it’s important to give back and help those families,” Elinor said.

The organization also has a 5k run co-sponsored by the city of Jacksonville Beach. The run will take place on Feb. 11 in order to continue to raise awareness for their cause and recognize members of Florida Highway Patrol for their work to keep our highways safe.

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More information on “In The Blink of an Eye: The Alysia Littlejohn Foundation” as well as info and registration for the 5k run can be found by clicking here.