By Alexis Bien
At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we firmly believe that angels are not only the celestial beings we pray for; they are also the good souls on earth who guide us and give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. Sometimes, it feels as if God provides us with extraordinary individuals to lead by example and carry forth their legacy.
In July, BTSADV organized its annual fundraiser, Run for Her. This initiative brought together people from across the nation—Arkansas, California, Texas, and Michigan—to run, walk, bike, or row a collective total of 100 miles. The goal was clear: to raise awareness for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, those currently enduring it, and those who have survived.
We reached out to friends and community members, inviting them to join this meaningful quest. To our surprise, our group of 18 participants exceeded 1,000 miles by the end of the month. Each mile served as a tribute to the memory of victims and a demonstration of solidarity with survivors.
A poignant story emerged from our collective journey: the story of Holly, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence on July 8, 2024. Her best friend, Crystal, found her deceased in her home, which prompted a wave of grief and a mission for justice among those who loved her.
Holly was remembered as bold, opinionated, and unyielding. More than that, she was strong, compassionate, and had an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel loved. When asked to participate in #Run4Her, Michelle, the General Manager of Row House in College Station, explained, “The answer is always YES.” She shared that she was motivated not only by her love for Holly but also by the knowledge that many special people in her life had experienced trauma that she could scarcely imagine.
Michelle recalled their high school days, where Holly was a fierce competitor on the basketball court and a source of encouragement for the entire team. As the tragic details of Holly’s death unfolded, Michelle became increasingly determined to reach a significant goal—a tribute that would honor Holly’s memory. Throughout the month, she rowed, biked, and ran, culminating in a poignant moment as she completed her final 5 miles in honor of Holly and all domestic violence victims—miles they would never get to achieve.
Michelle’s journey illustrates the profound connection we share in the fight against domestic violence. While not everyone involved in domestic violence support has lost a friend, most people know someone who has been affected. Initiatives like Run for Her become powerful support groups, uniting individuals to show their strength and honor the memories of those lost to domestic violence.
At BTSADV, we believe in the power of community and resilience. The spirit of individuals like Michelle inspires us all to recognize that we are capable of overcoming our pasts. Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and honor those who have suffered in silence.
As we call upon our angels, we discover extraordinary individuals within our community. With initiatives like Run for Her, we can continue our journey of empowerment and remembrance, ensuring that every voice is heard and every life is valued. #BTSADV #BreakTheSilenceAgainstDomesticViolence
