Laura Gorman and Jessica Rasdall were childhood friends who first met in kindergarten. The two grew closer over the years sharing secrets and sleepovers… candy and make-up. When it was time to go to college both girls decided to stay in Pinellas County although at different schools. Laura and Jessica became inseparable. The girls were spending nearly everyday together and even began working at the same restaurant. That all changed on February 25, 2006.

The girls decided to go dancing. While at the club, Laura and Jessica were served alcohol by a club employee, even though he clearly knew that both girls were below the legal drinking age. On the way back to Laura’s dorm room, Jessica’s car suddenly went off of the road and rolled into a tree. Laura was killed instantly and Jessica was transported to the hospital where she received over 400 stitches. After a week in the hospital, Jessica Rasdall was informed that she was being charged with DUI Manslaughter for the death of Laura Gorman.

After the accident, Jessica began speaking at highschools and other community groups. Her mission was to share her experience with others so that they would not repeat her mistake. She has now spoken to over 15,000 teens across the state of Florida. Finally… Sober Message Influenced by Life Experience, Inc. was created to help continue these efforts, help others who have made life-altering mistakes turn their pain into something positive, and most importantly...keep Laura's memory alive.

Message from SMILE's founder, Jessica Rasdall...

“I’ve always been told that everything happens for a reason, and I believe God spared my life so that I could share my story with others. Reducing underage drinking among our youth has become a personal battle for me. To this date, I have spoken to well over 10,000 young adults across the state of Florida, telling them my story and educating them on wise decision-making. I give these presentations because I do not want another family to have to suffer the pain that my family and the Gorman family do everyday. I cannot begin to explain how painful it is to wake up every morning knowing that your best friend is gone, and you are being charged with her death… and I cannot begin to imagine how painful this has been for Laura’s family.

Although I speak out about what happened, I am not in any way excusing my own actions. Strong feelings of guilt and regret remind me everyday of the mistake I made. I know that there is nothing anyone else or I can do to erase my mistake or to change what happened that night; I have learned to accept that and I take responsibility for my actions. There is nothing I can do to bring Laura back, but I will do everything I can to keep someone else from repeating my mistake. I refuse to let my best friend, Laura Ann Gorman, be forgotten about and become just another underage drinking statistic. I will do everything I can to prevent another life being lost.” 
--Jessica Marie Rasdall--