This Is What Strong Looks Like

I’m searching for the words that can adequately describe the unbelievable resilience of our family in upstate New York. It was 2011 when our niece was killed in a domestic violence homicide. She was an ICU nurse, incredibly bright and passionate about her work and her baby, Sydney. Sydney was eighteen months old at the time, and Hubby’s brother and sister-in-law adopted her to raise as their own. I was deeply impressed and inspired by their amazing grace and strength in the following days… and they continue to impress and inspire.

Just this week, they were featured on a local news program. I just watched it, and I’m still crying. This news clip is worth watching, if you want to know what strong looks like.

They have created the Katie M. Socci memorial fund to support local domestic violence programs (too many to list!) and have organized an annual 5K, the Socci Stiletto Stampede. I love, love this logo; it really captures Katie’s spirit:

The fund is always accepting donations, because sadly, the need is always there:

To Donate: Send a check – made payable to the Katie Socci Memorial Fund, 111 Eastwood Ave. Auburn NY 13021