Norwalk Resident Runs Half-Marathon to Support Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling

From The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education:

Marathon runner Damion Martin completed the Half Madness Half Marathon in Chicago, Ill. on Aug. 28. Team Martin, comprising Damion and his family, raised $1,550 to benefit The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education (The Center). Martin’s mission is to complete a half-marathon in every state by the time he turns 50. At a spry 38, Martin is well underway to achieving his goal.

Martin has mobilized his family to help fuel his efforts, and together, they are making an impact as Team Martin. Martin’s wife, photographer Veleska Martin, documents their trips and coordinates the crowd funding efforts for Team Martin. With every half-marathon that Damion Martin runs, Team Martin selects a local charity to be the recipient of the donations they receive.

According to Martin, “Taking this on has been a great way for me and my family to see the country, but also support organizations that we think are doing great work right here at home.”

Driving across the country with Veleska and 7-year-old son Oliver, it is Martin’s hope not only to create lasting family memories, but also impart important values to Oliver.

“It is really up to each one of us to improve society, to help people where we live. I wanted my son to understand that,” said Martin.

That is why Team Martin selected The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education as the charity to run for at the Mad to the Bone half-marathon.

According to Martin, “The Center is doing amazing work in our community, and I wanted to acknowledge their work on this last run. The K-12 prevention education programs that they facilitate in schools throughout Lower Fairfield County are really important. Empowering our kids is essential. The Center is helping my family and so many families by having these vital conversations in school.”

On Aug. 31, Martin presented The Center with a check to help support these very programs.

According to Ivonne Zucco, executive director of The Center, there has long been a correlation between sexual violence and running that must be acknowledged.

“We are very thankful for Damion and his family's efforts to raise money for our cause. Connecting with runners is an important piece for us,” said Zucco. “We understand that there is a lot of violence out there directed towards runners. Females more specifically have to worry about harassment, sexual assault and other kind of attacks, sometimes resulting in murder. By connecting with runners in our community, we take a stand behind the premise that every runner has the right to run free.”

Join The Center’s Team on Saturday, October 15th for the SONO Run Half Marathon and 5K, and fight for a world free of sexual violence.

For information on how to join, email sonorun@thecenter-ct.org.

Photo courtesy of The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education