Saturday Walks in Calcasieu and Jeff Davis Parishes to Help Raise Awareness for Domestic Violence, Breast Cancer

It'll be a great Saturday for walkers and runners -- not only because it's a great healthy habit, but also because they have the chance to help some very worthy charities.  In Calcasieu PArish, you can help fight domestic violence, while in Jennings, you can help fight breast cancer.

Walk for Victims of Domestic Violence

Moving from Vinton, though Sulphur and Westlake and ending up at the Civic Center, walkers will be able to show their support for the organizations that fight domestic violence.  But be ready -- this walk is serious.  It's a 23-mile walk from Vinton, through Sulphur and Westlake and ending at the Civic Center in Lake Charles at 5:30 p.m.

The event is a joint effort of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office and Oasis ... A Safe Haven for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence.

"From October 2010 to September 2011, Calcasieu Parish ranked first in the state for domestic violence homicides," said Rosa Alfred, Community Educator for Oasis A Safe Haven for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence (formerly known as the Calcasieu Women's Shelter).
On the law enforcement side, Lt. Thomas states that a domestic violence call is among one of the most dangerous situations officers have to handle.
"There are personal issues attached. But no matter how many times we might get called into the same situation, we will always respond. It is our job. It is the right thing to do. We are there for the victims," he said.

--Source:  Sulphur Daily News

This, however, isn't your traditional 3K or 5K -- this event symbolizes a journey.  It's meant to help the sufferers of domestic abuse understand that there is help available for them. For more information, call (337) 436-4552 or email Alfred at ralfred@cswshelter.org.

Melissa Doise 5K Hope for the Miracle Breast Cancer Race

On Saturday, Downtown Jennings will pay tribute to the late Melissa Doise with the 3rd annual 5K race in her honor.  Doise is just one of thousands of women whose life has been claimed by breast cancer.  Doise fought the disease for a decade before she was laid to rest in December 2009.

The race held in her honor has quickly become one of the cornerstones of the annual Jennings Alive festival, so after the race, you can check out all the live entertainment and arts and crafts the festival has to offer.

There's still time to register, though you can also register at the event starting at 7:30 a.m.  The race starts at 8 a.m. and winds its way through downtown Jennings.