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Message From Mars Foundation
Message From MARS (Motorcycle Moms Advocating for Road Safety) was founded by Deborah Henry-Bennett after the tragic loss of her son, Omari “Mars” Munroe, in a motorcycle accident on a Georgia highway. This organization was born from a journey through profound grief and a deep recognition that many other mothers share similar heartbreak.
In the midst of loss, Deborah discovered that she was not alone — mothers across the country have faced the unimaginable pain of losing a son or daughter to a motorcycle crash. These shared experiences create connections that reach far beyond words.
Message From MARS is rooted in love, resilience, and purpose. What began as a personal journey of healing has grown into a mission to raise awareness about motorcycle safety, support grieving families, and bring communities together to prevent future tragedies. It is more than an organization — it is a movement dedicated to honoring lives and improving road safety for everyone.
MARS Mission
Message From MARS strives to honor the lives of loved ones lost to motorcycle accidents by providing compassionate support to grieving families and leading advocacy and educational efforts for motorcycle safety.
The Vision of MARS
We envision a compassionate movement where families unite to transform loss into meaningful action, working together to protect motorcyclist and ensure safer roads for all.
Meet Mars
Omari Sincere Munroe, affectionately known as Mars, was born on July 6, 1998, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. From a young age, Mars demonstrated a remarkable ability to master everything he set his mind to, showcasing an unparalleled dedication to his interests. With an extraordinary intellect and an unyielding drive, he embraced his creative side, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
I EXISTED...
Mars Mom
Deborah Henry-Bennett
MFM CEO & Founder
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – Richard Puz
“Where do I begin?” “What can I say that would accurately articulate the profound depth of my sorrow?” It feels like I'm trapped in a never-ending nightmare, desperately longing for the moment when I will wake up and find everything as it should be.
Grief is not something to overcome-it is something to carry with love, courage, and intention.
At Message from MARS, we recognize that grief is a lifelong journey, especially for those who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. It arrives without warning, reshapes our lives, and forever changes who we are. We believe that acknowledging grief is an essential step toward healing, connection, and purpose.
Motorcycle fatalities are a tragic and growing concern on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable than other motorists, with an increased risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
Embracing Grief, Honoring Love
Stats, Facts & Donating Acts
Did you know?
Statistics
Facts
Motorcycle Accident Stats in Georgia in 2023
Motorcycle Accident Facts in Georgia:
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Total Crashes: 4,162
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Fatal Crashes: 203
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Total Injuries: 3,398
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Total Fatalities: 210
*This indicates that, out of the total crashes, 203 resulted in fatalities, and there were a total of 210 fatalities resulting from these crashes. The number of injuries is 3,398, highlighting the significant impact of these crashes on public safety.
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Metro Atlanta: Accounts for the highest percentage of motorcycle crashes in the state, representing 42% of all incidents.
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Leading Counties: The counties with the highest rates of fatal motorcycle accidents are Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett.
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Fatality Trends: Since 2017, there has been an upward trend in motorcycle accident fatality rates.
*Recent Improvements: Between 2022 and 2023, there was a slight improvement, with a 3.2% decrease in motorcycle-related fatalities.
Donating Acts
Donating to causes that support bereaved parents, particularly those who have lost children in tragic incidents like motorcycle accidents, is vital for fostering healing and community support. Contributions can fund essential initiatives such as:
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Counseling Services: Providing therapy designed for grieving parents.
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Support Groups: Establishing groups for shared experiences and emotional solace.
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Memorial Programs: Creating tributes like scholarships and remembrance events to honor lost children.
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Educational Resources: Offering workshops and literature to help families cope with grief.
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Advocacy and Awareness: Promoting motorcycle safety and awareness to prevent future tragedies.
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Financial Assistance: Supporting families with unexpected expenses related to their loss.
*Every donation, regardless of size, contributes to a compassionate community, providing support and recognition for the emotional needs of grieving families.
Spotlight
SPONSOR
On-Road Riders provides Georgia-certified training through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course, offering instruction on both 2-wheel and 3-wheel motorcycles to help you earn your motorcycle license.
MARS Merch
Developing merchandise that aids mothers who have experienced the loss of a child in a motorcycle accident, while also promoting awareness of motorcycle safety, can serve as a poignant tribute to those we have lost. This initiative can help foster a sense of community among grieving parents, allowing them to honor their children's memories in a meaningful way.
