Patch Joins Fight Against Child Abuse, Sponsoring Run in Memory of Dominick Calhoun

Family and friends watched as Monday for the of Argentine Township.

Baker, Dominick's mother, was sentenced to 13 to 30 years for second-degree murder for failing to get help for her son; Hayes, her ex-boyfriend, was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and several other counts, including torture and child abuse.

With the case over, those friends and family members are focusing now on honoring the 4-year-old. Dominick's paternal grandparents, the group Dominick’s Law and Childhelp Michigan are organizing Run the Course for Dominick Calhoun, a run/walk event April 21 at Kensington Metropark in Milford. All proceeds will benefit the youth that Childhelp Michigan serves.

Patch has signed on to honor the memory of Dominick and join the fight to prevent, recognize and treat child abuse. 

In the coming days, Patch will have an experienced runner tell you how to get ready for the race; we'll take a look at how to recognize and prevent child abuse; and we'll unveil contests you can win, whether you participate in the race or not.

Currently in Michigan, there are more than 14,000 children in the foster care system — more than 14,000 children who have been the victim of child abuse and neglect. And that number does not reflect the countless children like Dominick, whose abuse and neglect goes unreported, according to Childhelp Michigan.

The group has a goal to raise $20,000 and so far they have reached the $4,000 mark, said Samantha Lee, one of the organizers of the event. Much of the funding will go to Childhelp Michigan's Mentoring Program, which is currently serving 101 abused, neglected, and at risk youth in Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties, she said.

"We are hoping to branch out to other counties but until we have the funds we are unable to do so," Lee said. "With funds from events like this we are able to reach more at risk school districts and bring our school based mentorship program to more schools."

The Childhelp Run the Course for Dominick Calhoun will begin at 7:30 a.m. April 21 and will go until 1:30 p.m. Throughout the day, participants can run in the 5K race or walk in the 1 Mile Fun Walk. Families, individuals and teams can have a light lunch while children enjoy bounce houses and other child-friendly activities. Medals will be presented to the top three runners in four age categories, along with the top three fundraising teams.

You can register to run, walk or donate, and join Patch and Childhelp in the fight against child abuse.