Why I Run and Donate
"I donate to Strides for Peace because this mission is deeply personal. The organization was founded in memory of my dear friend, Blair DeLane Holt, who was tragically killed by gun violence on May 10, 2007, while riding a CTA bus on his way to his grandparents’ store after school.
I run because he can’t. I donate because I believe it’s a human obligation to support others on their journey to healing. There is strength in numbers. I want to be part of the community that stands with and uplifts our patients when they need it most. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts—and together, we can create real, lasting change."
The Violence Recovery Program at UChicago Medicine
The Violence Recovery Program (VRP) is a hospital-based violence intervention program. We support patients injured by intentional violence and their families from the moment they arrive at the UChicago Medicine Trauma Center. Our team remains engaged through the patient’s discharge and return to the community, helping to reduce the risk of re-injury and support their overall recovery.
We are raising funds to meet urgent, critical needs that often arise the moment a patient is discharged—and to provide the tools for a safer, more stable recovery journey.
Investing in Healing, Safety, and Hope
The Violence Recovery Program supports individuals—including adults and children—impacted by all forms of intentional violence, from gunshot and stab wounds to domestic violence. These incidents often happen in environments where safety nets are limited and support is hard to access.
Every day, we work with survivors during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Many patients are discharged only to realize they must return to unsafe or unstable environments. With your help, we can provide immediate, tangible resources that support healing and reduce risk.
We are seeking $15,000 to fund:
30 general discharge care packages (clothing, toiletries, food cards) at $300 each
8 emergency travel support requests for domestic violence survivors at $250 each
4 short-term emergency housing placements for DV survivors at $500 each
2 security deposit/relocation support packages at $500 each
4 immediate needs bundles for DV survivors (food, clothing, personal items) at $250 each
Total goal: $15,000
Empowering Youth to Heal, Lead, and Thrive
Violence is the leading cause of death among youth in Chicago. At UChicago Medicine’s Urban Health Initiative, we believe in the power of prevention, healing, and leadership. Our youth engagement efforts focus on creating trauma-informed, empowering spaces where young people can build community, find their voice, and drive change.
With your help, we aim to reduce the financial barriers that prevent youth from participating in programming that supports healing and leadership development.
We are seeking an additional $15,000 to fund:
Youth advisory board honorariums: $3,000
Educational workshops and events: $7,000
Transportation and meals for youth programming: $3,000
Promotional materials (flyers, shirts, outreach): $2,000
Total goal: $15,000
How You Can Help
Every dollar counts. Whether you give $5, $10, or $25, your support helps build a care package for someone in crisis. A gift of $250, $300, or $500 can fully fund a care package or provide housing or relocation support for a survivor.
Your donation goes beyond temporary assistance—it becomes a statement of care, community, and commitment to change.
Give what you can. It truly makes a difference.
