News 12’s Blaise Gomez was one of many runners who took park in the annual “We Can Be Heroes” 5K run/walk in Montgomery over the weekend – an event that raises money to support essential, life-altering services for domestic violence victims and survivors.

It also raises awareness of the epidemic that forever impacts families – including Gomez’s own. She has spoken out about her experience as a domestic violence survivor.

Last year, she ran in memory of Melanie Chianese, who was heinously murdered by her mother’s ex-boyfriend in an attack at her own home. This year, she dedicated her run to the memory of Kyra Franchetti, a toddler who was killed by her abusive father during a court approved visit.

"This was my fifth year running as a survivor and each time, it’s incredibly emotional. The strength and perseverance it takes to cross that finish line, even when you want to quit, is symbolic of the struggles victims face in their paths toward finding safety and peace," says Gomez.