I can't believe this is actually my 100th post! Wow. Never thought I would have so much to say in only 8 months since I started this blog. I knew this moment was coming and had everything planned out in my head how it was going to be a total knitting content post and what not. But as fate would have it, this post is going to be about something very close and dear to my heart.
Some of you may have already received an email from me in regards to the Need For Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence that I am participating in on June 8th. This is a 50 mile relay race begining in Bear Mountain and ending all the way in downtown New Rochelle. I am one of a six person team (3 guys and 3 gals). As far as I know I am the only Domestic Abuse Survivor on my team.
I am fundraising for this relay because of the cause. This is something that many people do not completely understand unless they have experienced it themselves. In casual conversations I have heard so many people say "Why doesn't she just leave?". There are so many answers to that simple question and to why she doesn't just up and leave. The biggest one is fear. Fear of what will happen. I faced that fear and got out. But I am lucky to have gotten out. I am a survivor of a 6 year abuse. I was lucky I had no children. I was lucky I had a family to turn to, even if they didn't know the whole story. Many are not so lucky. Many have children.
"It is estimated that each year up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence"
Back in 2005, I ran a Mother's Day race in Central Park that was a fundraiser for Domestic Violence. At that time I raised over $800. Now I am fundraising under a different race, but for the same cause. Specifically the money raised in this race will go to the Avon Foundation Helping Children of Domestic Violence program. It would be a dream for me to be able to raise at least that amount again.
If you can, I ask that you stop by my fundraising site and donate, even if it's only $5.00. Every little bit helps.
Thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart!
Hooray for you, Deborah! I'm so glad that you are in control of your life and so strong. I run for charity, as well, and coincidentally, my daughter just finished a community service project for our local domestic violence shelter, the Sojourner Truth House. She collected baby items, and did some knitting (a baby blanket and a baby hat).
ReplyDelete;-) Nora
You go girl! I'm feeling a little choked up. Thank you for sharing your story and being strong enough to do something about it.
ReplyDeleteHappy 100th Post! Congrats! Kick some ass in your Bear Mountain to New Rochelle relay. I donated already and I'll link to your page in my next post. Thanks for sharing your story. You truly rock! I'm lucky to have you as a friend!
ReplyDeleteYou are very brave to be so forthcoming in a blog post about what you went through. Best of luck with your race!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best advocates that I’ve found! I wish your cause continues on its growth, and can inspire others who are on the same situation but could hardly escape. Thank you for sharing and inspiring more people to change!
ReplyDeleteNorman Watkins @ Giving Works