Janne O'Donnell was as giddy as an Irish schoolgirl on the White House lawn on a recent Friday afternoon.
"I just couldn't help it," she said. "This was the happiest day of my life."
She has spent the last 10 years trying to get state and federal legislation that regulated credit card companies and their aggressive marketing to college students, usually with the help of schools that are compensated by the companies.
President Barack Obama signed the legislation on the White House lawn May 22 and O'Donnell was invited to the ceremony. Her seat was on the front row. For her, the signing brought some closure to a nightmare no parent should endure.
Stressed by mounting credit card debt, O'Donnell's 22-year-old son, Sean Moyer, committed suicide in February of 1998. His parents discovered multiple charge cards with large credit limits. Most were issued while he was a college student, earning minimum wage at part-time jobs. They believe the debt stress contributed to his death.
"People don't realize how quickly you can get in trouble," she said.
Sean had 12 credit cards and had racked up $10,000 in debts. He was on scholarship at the University of Texas at Dallas. He tried to pay off his debts but got deeper in the hole. He moved back home to east Norman with his parents and enrolled at OU. Two part-time jobs didn't dent the debt.
A week before his death, they talked about the debts and about his future. He saw no end to the financial mess and was doubtful about his own future which at one time included law school.
"We have a good bill now. This was the last thing I could do for Sean. It's not going to happen again," she said.
Years after her son's death, pre-approved credit card offers still came in the mail. Some with $100,000 limits. No guarantors needed and no proof of income.
"Sure there's personal responsibility, but what about corporate responsibility? You don't give someone with credit card problems another credit card when they had problems with 11 of them."
Her mission took its toll. She thought it was all over when bankruptcy laws were changed three years ago. She traveled and talked to anyone who would listen.
"Don't cross a mom but don't cross an Irish mom. We take it personally."
She doesn't think her son would be surprised by her perseverance. Parents will do anything for their children.
"If you really believe in something, don't ever give up. You just keep going."
"I know Sean has been able to rest in peace for 10 years. Now I can."
Andy Rieger 366-3543 editor@normantranscript.com
Columns
Mom's ten years of persistence pays off in credit card fight
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