A local organization will host a candlelight vigil and fundraiser in honor of domestic violence victims and those diagnosed with ALS.
Survivors of Domestic Violence have announced the candlelight vigil to be held on Friday, Oct. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the pavilion at Edward’s Island Park.
Organizer Nadena Claunch said this is the sixth vigil that has been held, but the first in Elizabethton and the first time it has included patients of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, and their families.
Claunch explained the two seemingly unrelated causes have been brought together because they are both very significant issues for her.
“I am a victim of domestic violence and I have recently been diagnosed with ALS,” Claunch said. “These are both very important causes for me.”
Claunch hopes the vigil will raise awareness for both domestic violence and ALS.
“So many people are suffering from both domestic violence and ALS,” she said. “So many people are losing their lives because of both of these. People are being turned away from domestic violence shelters. I want people to know that there are people there for them.”
During the vigil, Claunch said attendees will light candles in remembrance of people who have lost their lives to either domestic violence or ALS, or those who are currently struggling with them.
She said those who want to attend can “just show up” the night of the vigil. She encouraged them to bring a blanket or a chair, a candle and a donation to be made to either cause.