Published on December 12, 2019
Cara Bergstrom-Lynch, sociology professor at Eastern Connecticut State University ran in the Hot Chocolate 5k run on Dec. 8 in Northampton, MA, in support of individuals who have experienced domestic violence.
Bergstrom-Lynch first participated in the run in 2013 after Eastern sophomore Alyssiah Wiley was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. She has continued to participate in the run annually, this being her seventh year. Bergstrom-Lynch runs to keep Wiley’s memory alive while supporting others who have and continue to deal with domestic violence, an issue she has also dealt with in the past. “I’m a survivor myself,” Bergstrom-Lynch said. “It’s meaningful to give back to an organization like the one that helped me when I needed it.”
The event was sponsored by Safe Passage, an anti-domestic violence organization based in Northampton that provides services to individuals of all genders who are experiencing domestic violence to help them rebuild their lives.
This year Bergstrom-Lynch raised $2,620, bringing her total to $10,750 since 2013. “It’s a small way to keep her memory alive,” said Bergstrom-Lynch. “I’m so grateful for all of the support from our Eastern community every year.” While running she wore white ribbons with the names of those who contributed as a thank you, along with another ribbon with Wiley’s name in her honor.
According to the Massachusetts news organization Mass Live, the event raised more than $600,000 this year, a record high since the race began 16 years ago.
Written by Bobbi Brown
