We are thankful for the Southwest News-Herald for publishing our article on “Run Domestic Violence Out of Town,” a great cause. We are please to extend our thank you’s to Fatimeh Hussein and Denise Martinez of Arab American Family Services for running the Chicago Marathon for a wonderful cause. Please see below for the article:
Arab American Family Services, in collaboration with the Battered Women’s Network have teamed up to “Run Domestic Violence Out of Town.” The event, in conjunction with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is raising awareness about domestic violence.
By participating in the campaign, runners will have the opportunity to raise both money and awareness for the local domestic violence service providers, whose services span the greater metropolitan area.
AAFS staff member Fatimeh Hussien, who is a Domestic Violence court advocate, has gone the extra mile to ensure the voices of the victims of domestic violence do not go ignored. On Sunday, October 12, Hussien will be taking part in the Chicago Marathon, running the 26.2 miles and helping “run domestic violence out of town.”
“Choosing to take part in this marathon for such an amazing cause has been one of the easiest decisions I have ever made,” Hussien said.
“Running 26.2 miles seems so difficult to many, but in reality, it is nothing compared to what the victims of domestic violence endure,” she said.
Hussien is at the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Bridgeview every Monday through Thursdays and is on hand to assist Orders of Protection for clients.
“Many believe that domestic violence takes place just between a husband and wife, but in reality, it can take place between families and friends, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, it’s an issue across the board,” she said.
Hussien says that by running, she hopes to bring awareness to the fact that domestic violence should not be a stigma, and to talk about this issue is nothing to be ashamed of.
While raising awareness for such an important cause, Hussien is also looking to raise at least $1,500 in donations that will benefit the collaborative.
“By raising money for this cause, I feel that those who are suffering will benefit because it can help bring them one step closer to overcoming pain and suffering and bring them one step closer to a new beginning,” she said.
But Hussien is not the only member of AAFS running the Chicago Marathon for this great cause. AAFS board member Denise Martinez is also taking part in “Run Domestic Violence Out of Town.” Martinez is an attorney with Martinez Wardein, LLP.
“Running the Chicago Marathon is a physical challenge that helps me live a healthy and active lifestyle,” Martinez said. “Through their great work, Arab American Family Services and all member organizations of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network, support the women facing even greater challenges every day after falling victim to domestic violence,” she said.
“I run because I care to render my supports to a collaborative I know provides women and families the support they need to overcome their challenge,” Martinez added.
“As I run this year’s Chicago Marathon, I shall run every mile proudly, knowing the funds and awareness I raise will “run domestic violence out of town,” she said.
The Chicago Marathon takes place in October, which is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Through both community engagement plans and mass-marketing appeal, the domestic violence service collaborative agencies intend to make use of a new resource for consciousness and fund-raising via this iconic Chicago event.
This event has another significant meaning for AAFS. On Saturday, Oct. 11, AAFS will be hosting their 7th annual Domestic Violence and Cancer Awareness Walk. The walk will take place at Lake Katherine Nature Center on 7402 Lake Katherine Drive in Palos Heights, IL 60463 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration fees are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 10 and under.
Anyone who is interested in donating for this great cause and helping Fatimeh Hussien reach her goal and ‘run domestic violence out of town,’ can donate online by following the link:
http://www.razoo.com/story/
Donations can also be made by calling AAFS at (708) 599-2237.
(708) 599-2237
