On Tuesday, November 18, 2014, something terrible happened. A person was killed. Not just any person...someone I had interacted with...someone that many in the group had interacted with...and someone that a few had gotten somewhat close to. Tiffany was not just another name on the list of those killed by Domestic Violence...she was a face too. Her death has not only rocked my world, it has hit the entire group HARD. There is a void in the group, one that I don't think many want filled.
Tiffany leaves behind 4 children and a mother. To some, the inclusion of a mother might be trivial. Not this time, as Tiffany's killer also took her step father. This act of senseless violence was done in front of her kids. Both of them. I can not even begin to imagine what went through their minds...what continues to go through their minds to this day. Tiffany's killer has been arrested and arraigned, a feat that was accomplished after he had taken an unrelated person hostage for seven hours. Her killer was her estranged husband.
Once the initial shock wore off, many took to organizing various fundraisers. Close friends started gofundme accounts. A memorial fund was set up at a local bank. Runners opened various gofundme accounts as well as booster accounts. Various symbols were made, some in memorial, others to be put on a shirt, and still others will be put to use on medals. These all being done by members in my group...the group that is more than a tight knit community, it is a family. The neat thing? M y group isn't the only one...there are others who have been touched by this as well, and willing to help.
Unfortunately, as I typed this, I was notified of yet another senseless act. Again, on a runner, and again by an estranged spouse. My hope and prayer is that the running community will be as giving toward her family as it was towards Tiffany's. I have no reason to believe otherwise.
The color scheme I type in is in honor to Tiffany, who liked orange, and to promote the color purple which is Domestic Violence awareness. So often we see the news reports of deaths like these and write them off as "too bad" or "that is so sad". Because of Tiffany, I don't want that to happen anymore. I don't stand alone in this thought either. There is an entire group that stands with me.
Here is a helpful link if you find yourself in any kind of abusive situation. There ARE people out there who can help...even if all you need is someone to just...listen. Know you are not alone...others have successfully come out of situations like yours...safely. It is a safe site, that will not store information.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
