January 22, 2016 was a day of tragedy, and a day of miracles.
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In the early hours of the morning, almost exactly a year ago, Sarah Paino, 24, was killed after a teenage driver ploughed into her car at a Hobart intersection.
It was about 1am when the teenager was detected speeding down Hobart’s main roads in a stolen car.
It is believed he reached speeds of up to 110km/h.
Emergency crews quickly reached the site and realised Ms Paino was heavily pregnant.
The hard work and quick thinking of medical professionals meant the life of her unborn baby boy was saved – delivered at the nearby Royal Hobart Hospital.
Caleb is just about to celebrate his first birthday.
Her other young son, Jordan, was in the backseat of the car at the time and was, amazingly, unharmed.
News of the tragedy shocked Australia, and the loss of the innocent life was mourned by many.
Just days after the incident, the site of the tragedy was covered in flowers and candles commemorating the young life that was taken too soon.
It was not long before people across the country started to give what they could to Ms Paino’s two sons and partner Daniel, and soon, more than $500,000 had been raised to be used to help the grieving family.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to five years in detention, but will be eligible for parole after two-and-a-half years.
Ms Paino’s friend Seiarna Stocks was one member of a group of friends who started the Sarah’s Law campaign, which is calling for harsher penalties for drivers who evade police.
“The idea came across because not just myself and Bec [another friend], but most of Tasmania and the world were all touched about Sarah and her story,” Ms Stocks said.
“Bec and I wanted to see if we could make a difference and try change a few things.
“It’s a slow, long, painful process of so many emails and phone calls and not getting a response from most people, so it’s a step at a time.”
She said one year on, the two young boys were doing well.
“Daniel and her two boys are going great, both boys are bright, bubbly boys, learning so much each day,” Ms Stocks said.
The laws are not expected to reach Parliament until the later half of this year.