Universe Juice Stories
Sisters Thank First Responders Who Tried to Save Their Mother; Create a Public Safety Campaign in Her Name
Moira “Scotty” Perna
On September 21, 2020, Moira “Scotty” Perna tragically lost her life in a car accident involving downed electrical wires, sparking a fire in Moira’s car. Four and a half years later, Moira’s daughter, Lisa, on behalf of her family, requested to be reunited with the first responders and witnesses who tried to save her mother. Lisa noted, “I want to personally say thank you to all the men and women who tried to save the life of our mother and who save the lives of others every day.” On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Universe Juice fulfilled Lisa’s reunion wish.
South Kingstown, RI - March 13, 2025
“I just wanted to say thank you! Yesterday was nothing but incredible in many ways. I was resistant initially because I was afraid of reliving the pain of it all. I’m feeling so good today! All the work you put in for your first event. I think it was perfect, hope you’re proud. The campaign is still getting all kinds of awareness, it’s pretty amazing. Thank you so much.” Beth, daughter of Moira.
In addition to bringing together several of the first responders who answered the call, Lisa wanted to do something special to honor her mother. One witness told Lisa that if only they had a fire extinguisher in their car, they could have tried to save her mother. This inspired Lisa to take up a collection and donate fire extinguishers to her local fire station to be available for residents to keep in their vehicles. Lisa shared, “I would like others in my community to have the chance to try and save the life of someone else.”
Together with Lisa, the South Kingstown Fire Districts and Universe Juice created “Moira’s Mission”, a public safety campaign encouraging people to place fire extinguishers in their cars. To date, Moira’s Mission has collected donations to purchase over 100 fire extinguishers which have already been distributed locally. Donations continue to arrive. Lisa’s vision is to make Moira’s Mission an annual campaign and expand its reach statewide.
“This is so amazing… I’m at loss for words…I love every moment of this.” Moira’s daughter, Lisa
“Moira Perna's daughters have the kind of spirit that I admire. Their efforts to keep their mother's legacy upheld are sincerely appreciated. When I picked up the free fire extinguisher for my vehicle this week, the gentleman firefighter …. indicated it was your organization who was responsible for arranging this gift for me. Thank you for everything you do to bring community closer in the wake of trauma. Please accept my thanks for the fire extinguisher and for your great service. Thank you, for putting in my hands the unit I had always thought about getting to help others....but, like most of us busy folks, never got around to it.” Susan, South Kingstown resident