"Remembering Darien" is a non-profit public charity (5013c) formed by family and friends of Darien Leigh Richardson to bring awareness of, to raise funds for and to advocate for all who have been impacted by violent crime -- especially gun violence. The organization was created in honor of Darien who was critically wounded on January 8, 2010 after masked intruders burst into her home and shot her while she was sleeping. In those few moments and the days following, Darien's entire life was turned upside-down physically, emotionally and financially. On February 28, 2010, 50 days after the shooting, and as a result of her gunshot wounds, Darien died, she was only 25 years old. This violent homicide remains unsolved.
Before her murder, Darien's life was filled with promise. A successful, independent young woman and a Bowdoin College graduate, she loved helping others through her work and personal relationships. While struggling to recover from her injuries, Darien experienced the physical, emotional and financial hardships of being a violent crime victim.
Upon her release from the hospital she was barred from returning to her own apartment, which was by then an official crime scene. So, she moved back in with her parents to begin a very long road, with multiple surgeries, to recovery, thereby extending the time she would be out of work for months.
Navigating these unforeseen challenges was overwhelming even to Darien who was fortunate enough to have had a good job with medical benefits and supportive family close by. What concerned her most were the hundreds of victims who were bereft of such support. She told her parents that once she had healed, she would work on making a difference for other violent crime victims. Unfortunately, Darien never got the opportunity to realize this goal. That is why her family has honored her wishes and turned their pain into a positive by creating "Remembering Darien," a group that is working toward helping victims of violent crime.
Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 12:30-3:00PM Leading the "Remembering Darien" walk will be Judi and Wayne Richardson, Darien's parents who recently returned from Washington D.C. where they participated in the "Gun Violence Survivors Lobby Day" and met with First Lady Michelle Obama, and Sarena, Darien's sister, will lead the walk. The family members will then speak about violent crime, the impact on victims, survivors and their loved ones, and what "Remembering Darien" is doing to help.
WHY: Bring awareness to the non-profit "Remembering Darien," the impact of gun violence and to raise funds for the organization so it can help other victims. Anyone interested in ending violent crime, gun violence and helping victims and survivors in the aftermath of a life-altering event is welcome to join in on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 12:30-3:00PM. Walkers should meet in the Back Cove Parking lot adjacent to Hannaford Supermarket, Portland, Maine, at 12:30pm. The walk begins at 1:00 pm and while not required, donations to support will be accepted. Sport bags filled with water & other items will be available for a $20 donation. Also available for $5 donation will be wristbands.
- WHERE: Back Bay/Back Cove running/walking trail, Portland, Maine. For more information see our Facebook Page
- WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 12:30-3:00PM
Mary Cranmore
