MACON, Ga. — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
It's a tradition for the Fountain family this time of year. On Saturday, people in Macon will gather for the 9th Annual Walk to Remember La'Smockie Fountain.
Fountain was found dead on Case Street in 2015 after she was shot by her boyfriend, Derrick Booze.
"She's my baby, she means everything to me," said her aunt, Cynthia Fountain. "I carry her with me in my heart every day."
Fountain's cousin Somer Stafford said Fountain always had a smile on her face.
"She was just full of love and full of life," Somer said. "I just want La'Smockie to know we love her, we miss her dearly and we're going to keep on fighting this fight to bring awareness to domestic violence in her name. Her legacy is going to live on forever."
A purple parade will cruise the street where she was found in 2015.
"Every year around this time, we celebrate the life of La'Smockie Fountain," Stephanie Simonton said. "We have all of these organizations that are available to help people. When we have people come to us, let's immediately jump in and find out what we can do to help."
The event is a collaboration with organizations like Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia. Executive Director Jamie Borman says the organization has attended the walk every year.
"We do what we can to show up for La'Smockie's family, but also, they show up for us," Borman said. "I think it's wonderful they honor her life, but it's also wonderful they're giving a voice to domestic violence because often people in the community don't want to talk about it."
The Fountain family has chosen to bring light to their mission...literally.
They celebrate Purple Light Day on October 26th, and ask the community to light their own purple bulbs in support.
La'Smockie's aunt, Sharon Stafford, created these traditions to inform others about the signs of domestic violence.
"If you see something, then you should say something. And when you say something you can do something," she said. "We have survivors, but we also have some who didn't survive. We just want to make sure that we keep it pushing and do whatever we can to get the word out."
The walk will begin on 3565 Case street at 11a.m. on Saturday.
All are welcome and encouraged to wear purple.
The Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia works to protect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. You can reach them at 478-745-9292.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233. Advocates are available to speak 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, trying to find resources or those with questions about unhealthy relationships.
If you're unable to speak safely, you can log onto the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or text LOVEIS to 22522.
If you're in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.
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