I would like it a lot more if I didn’t have to get up at dawn to do it.  But did it in honor of a friend’s mom who is currently battling…and also with my step-mom, who is a survivor, in my thoughts.

I walked with a group of friends complete with feather boas, ribbon stickers on our faces, and pink do-rags on our heads. I wasn’t overjoyed that summer decided to return today making our 5K walk a little warm but it is better than cold and rainy like it was last year.  But it was amazing seeing the thousands of women and men there to support the cause.

I usually do a quiet boycott of all things Susan G. Komen in October.  Obviously, I support breast cancer research!  But the Komen foundation has the best PR machine of any non-profit, ever.  It tends to eclipse all else in October.  My passion lies with a cause that also calls October its official awareness month:  Domestic Violence.

If you need help, the national hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE

You can find more general information about domestic violence here or here or for a more global perspective about ending violence against women click here.

Also, a few of my favorite things combined: Tim Gunn (love me some Project Runway), Marshalls, and shoes.  If you buy shoes at Marshalls (until Oct 15th), $1 will be donated to the national domestic violence hotline.

If you want to read some personal stories from survivors and lend support through comments, visit Violence Unsilenced.