For every victim of a crime, there are many more who feel its effects.
Linda Layson, 47, of Severn, has known this better than anyone since her cousin was shot multiple times in the abdomen two years ago ? all over a dispute about a parked car.
Her cousin is now fully recovered, but the incident is not soon forgotten.
“There?s always that scar there, and you never really recover,” Layson said.
Layson ran in the 10th Annual Victims? Fund Run and 2-mile Walk in Severna Park on Sunday, an event to benefit crime victims. It?s organized and sponsored by the Anne Arundel County State?s Attorney?s Office and Anne Arundel County Bar Foundation.
“The Victims? Fund is an emergency resource for crime victims where they have no time or funds to cover their immediate needs,” said race director Judy Feldt, an assistant state?s attorney.
Money is typically used to help support those who lack insurance, and for crime-scene cleanup and property repair, she said.
“I think it?s great we?re supporting people who?ve been victims of crimes,” Layson said. “It shows that there are more good people out there than people who are not.”
This year?s race was dedicated to R. David Fordham, a longtime local assistant state?s attorney who died of cancer earlier this year.
“He was a huge supporter and very passionate about this,” said his widow, Doris Fordham, of Arnold. “Quite honestly, he became a prosecutor because it was the area of law where he felt he could help people the most.”
Another inspiration for many runners this year was Tyler and John Dick Jr., a father and son from Pasadena, who each lost a leg earlier this year when a drunken driver ran into themwhen they were changing a tire. Both have had to deal with very expensive medical bills.
Organizers said the father and son were unable to attend the event but wanted to come.
An estimated 400 participants came out for the cause, the largest crowd yet, and organizers hoped to raise $10,000.
The race began and ended at the Park Plaza Shopping Center and followed the B&A Trail.
