Purpose Over Pain (POP) was formed in 2007 by Chicago-area parents whose children’s lives
were taken by violence. What began as a space for shared grief has grown into a powerful
network of families committed to healing, support, and action.

Grounded in lived experience, we walk alongside families during some of the most difficult
moments of their lives, ensuring they are supported, connected, and never alone.

Our Mission

We advocate for and promote safer communities while strengthening families by providing
support to parents and guardians whose children’s lives have been taken by violence, and by
creating positive, healing-centered opportunities for surviving children and youth.

What we do

Purpose Over Pain supports families throughout their healing journey, helping them move from
victim, to survivor, to action.
• Immediate and ongoing support to families impacted by violence
• Assistance with funeral and burial arrangements
• Guidance with victim compensation and access to resources
• Support groups for mothers, fathers, and siblings
• One-on-one emotional support and family-centered care
• Healing-centered events and community engagement opportunities
• Positive activities and support for surviving children and youth

Our work is rooted in compassion, connection, and community—meeting families where they are
and walking with them toward healing and purpose.

Why we Run

Every step taken in this race is for a parent navigating unimaginable pain. Funds raised go
directly toward supporting families, helping to ease the financial burden they face after their
child’s life has been taken by violence.

Your support helps provide

• Assistance with funeral and burial costs
• Immediate support for families
• Ongoing healing support through parent and sibling groups
• Resources that guide families from victims, to survivors, to action