Tucson woman creates lasting family tribute through Adopt a Highway

For Tracey Everett, it started with an idea to help clean up the environment, and it grew into something much more. Her mom, Joanne Wilson, is dying of cancer. Tracey wanted to give her mom a memorable gift while pursuing a cause that is important to her: keeping her community clean and free of litter.

Tracey decided the perfect tribute was to adopt a section of highway along State Route 77 in Tucson. She began the permit process, realizing it could take several weeks or months to get the Adopt a Highway sign in place in time for her mom to see it. She told her story to the employees in ADOT's Tucson District Office, and they were moved by her unique situation. The staff worked hard to expedite the permit process and get the sign up as quickly as possible for Tracey and Joanne.

Joanne Wilson
September 2, 1936 - April 1, 2011
 

To hear the rest of this story, watch the video produced by ADOT's News Operations Team.

To get involved in Adopt a Highway, visit www.azdot.gov/highways/adoptahwy.

ADOT News Operations Team interviews Joanne and Tracey

Tracey and her Adopt a Highway Team clean up