WESTFORD — Over 200 runners, cyclists and families gathered for the 15th annual Run for Liv/Ride for Liv.
The community event is dedicated to honoring the memory of Olivia “Liv” Marchand and raising money to support survivors of domestic violence.
Hosted by the Live for Liv Foundation, the event was held at the 4-H Fairgrounds on Sept. 14. Participants chose from a 23-mile bike ride, a 10K, a 5K or a one-mile family fun run.
Live for Liv was founded by Jody Marchand after her daughter, Olivia, a 16-year-old Westford Academy student, was killed in a domestic violence incident. The organization has become well known in the Westford and Chelmsford communities, raising money for local programs and using events like the one on Sept. 14 to bring awareness to domestic violence.
Events like the run/ride raise awareness through advertising for the event and speaking with the community leading up to it. The money raised from the event helps Marchand educate others about warning signs of domestic violence.
“We use the money for Jody to go out and speak at high schools and at other community events about danger signs and warning signs of abuse,” volunteer Joanne Derr said, “How do you know you’re in an abusive relationship? What are the warning signs? How do you get out, what are your resources?”
Live for Liv also provides direct support for victims of domestic violence. Board member Stacey Donovan said funds from the race have been used to put survivors and their children in hotels, cover rent and security deposits and provide clothing donations for those leaving abusive homes.
“We’ve been able to get victims out of dangerous situations,” Donovan said, “I feel like this event reaches far into a lot of local communities.”
First-time participant Tiffany Scanlon said the cause resonated deeply with her and is what encouraged her to run.
“This whole race is for victims of domestic violence, Live for Liv resonates with me, as a prosecutor for over 10 years, it was a cause that I felt strongly to support,” she said. “Westford really stays tight… It’s great that the community is showing up and supporting such a good cause.”
Others echoed that sentiment.
“Everyone who turned out for this race donated money to a really good cause, and I don’t know if they know the impact their donations have, but they do help people in domestic violence situations to live free, as the saying goes,” said Emily Zimmermann, a third-year participant.
For Noor Deek, attending for the first time, the turnout itself was impressive.
“It’s fantastic to see how many people come out,” Deek said. “I think it’s a staple of the Westford and Chelmsford community, and I’m very excited to come again next year.”
Volunteer Katrina Lloyd, who lost her sister to domestic violence in 2017, said the day felt both impactful and accessible.
“The community has brought their families and friends, even our volunteers brought their families,” she said. “I’m hoping this event supports those who have been impacted by domestic violence and also spreads awareness, because it’s not talked about as often.”
For the foundation, that combination of awareness and support remains the heart of the mission and for the Westford community too.
“This is a community issue and we solve it together as a community,” Derr said, “I think it’s raising awareness and raising funds to support families.”
