Maureen Webster named Unsung Heroine for 2012

MAUREEN WEBSTER NAMED 2012 UNSUNG HEROINE

Recognized for her work in bringing awareness to dangers of travel in Mexico

BOSTON- Maureen Webster of Woburn has been selected by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as an Unsung Heroine for 2012. Maureen was nominated by Representative James J. Dwyer in recognition of her efforts to bring awareness to travelers about the dangers tourists face while traveling abroad, particularly in Mexico.

“Maureen’s efforts have not only brought awareness to many travelers, but has also made sure that the memory of her son Nolan lives on,” said Rep. James J. Dwyer. “I cannot imagine what Maureen and her family has endured. However, I can tell you that, as a parent and grandparent, I understand her parental instinct in making sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else’s child.”

On January 7, 2007, Maureen’s son, Nolan Webster, tragically died while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico under what was shortly after deemed suspicious circumstances. She received reports from Nolan’s girlfriend that she was kept from him and that there was very little help for Nolan as he lay on the patio unresponsive.

Since her son’s untimely death, Maureen has formed a group called MexicoVacationAwareness.com. This organization’s goal is to bring awareness to those who vacation in Mexico about the dangers, lack of health care, and lack of proper medical staffing at hotels and resorts in Mexico’s hot spots. Maureen’s efforts have shed light on numerous cases of “accidental deaths” by U.S. travelers in Mexico that she has documented on her organization’s website.

Maureen has not stopped at just creating awareness. She has gone to Washington, D.C to speak with her federal officials and to the Massachusetts State House to speak with her state elected officials to help bring awareness to everyone in our country. Due to her efforts and advocacy, Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey, Senator Scott Brown, and Senator John Kerry have jointly filed federal legislation known as the International Travelers’ Bill of Rights, which would require all entities offering travel packages or trips to offer disclaimers to consumers on their websites based on travel warnings and advisories from the U.S. State Department. Maureen’s advocacy has also led to the filing of a state version of this legislation by Representative James J. Dwyer, known as the Massachusetts Traveler’s Bill of Rights, which would require travel agencies to provide similar disclaimers.

“Maureen’s strength and commitment gives us hope that her personal tragedy will make the rest of us more secure.  We owe her for that, and she is richly deserving of our thanks and recognition,” Rep. Jay Kaufman added.

The Unsung Heroine is awarded to 100 Heroines across the Commonwealth who leave a positive and enduring mark in the lives of the people in their communities.