I had one of those special moments this week at a charity fundraiser.
The 12th annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” helps raise money for the YWCA and the Sheriff King home. It’s a silly event to highlight a serious problem – women and children facing domestic abuse.
Everyone involved pledges to raise some money and then walk a mile in high heels. Really high heels!
Ladies, I have a new appreciation of the pain you go through to look good. Twenty-four hours later, I’m still feeling the effects of scrunched toes and aching calves. Ouch.
The event was well-organized and fun. It was hilarious to stand among dozens of people – mostly men – with the same pained expression on their face.
Then I met Darlene Dorchak.
She introduced herself and thanked me for coming out to help a good cause. We joked about how tricky it is to walk in high heels and had a nice laugh. I asked her what brought her to the event and my day changed completely.
Darlene was here to remember her sister, Karen, who was murdered in a domestic tragedy 10 years ago. She was killed by her ex-husband.
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Darlene has spent the last decade looking for ways to help others who find themselves in a similar situation. You could see the pain in her eyes as she talked about her sister.
When I asked her what she missed most about Karen, her eyes lit up with joy. She said Karen was considered the quiet one, but could shock people with an outrageous comment. Darlene really missed that wicked sense of humour.
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They didn’t realize the trouble Karen was in until it came to a head and she had to scramble to get away. In fact, Karen was free of the abuse for two-and-a-half years. Her ex caught up with her and it ended tragically in a murder suicide.
Darlene has the same message as the YWCA when it comes to domestic abuse: “You are not alone. There is help available. Get out.”
She’ll spend the rest of her days doing whatever she can to save another Karen.
Darlene and her brother Adam Frisch have created a support website in honour of their sister.