Victim's family says dog who survived incident helps spread message to end DUI

SARASOTA, Fla. - Donna Chen was was a mother to three children, a beloved wife of 26 years, and a life-long best friend to her sisters.

"We don't want what happened to Donna be buried with her, because too many people made a bad choice," said her sister, Cheryl Elsbree.

Skid marks still mark the spot where Chen took her last breath.  Sarasota police said a drunk driver, going 90 miles an hour and fleeing from another accident, hit and killed her while she was on a jog with her dog Barney.

"It leaves a pit in your stomach and a lump in your throat.  The pain just won't subside," said Diane Eduardo another of Chen's sisters.

Support has been tremendous.  The family has received everything from calls to flowers from some they don't even know. 

But, it has been difficult.  "This was not her time to go," said Elsbree.

Life's cruel turn won't stop the family.

"Donna would never want to let this go without knowing she could make a difference in someone else's life," said Elsbree.

And they will spread their message of trying to stop drunk driving with Chen's best friend Barney.

Since Kayaker Rory O'Conner posted a video of Barney's rescue, the family's message boards have filled up.

"They all want to make a difference.  They all want this situation to turn to be something good," said Elbree.

So, the sisters are reaching out to all the supporters, hoping a unified voice can bring change "For safety on the roads.  Having curbs, rails.  How about a reduced speed limit?" Eduardo asked.

"We can not let this happen again.  I think enforcement needs to be different," Elbree added.

As the family buried their loved one this weekend, they said a memorial where she died keeps growing.  And as they drive by, so does their commitment to making a change for the better.

"We will rally behind this cause as a family," said Elsbree.