INDIANAPOLIS — It was a day that changed everything.
"It's not a sad occasion so much. I tell people you have to remember the way they lived more than you remember the way they passed on through," one participant said.
It's been a year since Krystal Walton was gunned down while dropping her kids off at day care on the west side of Indianapolis. Her son's father, Orlando Mitchell, is charged with her murder.
"Her life was not in vain. It's difficult to go through these times, but what an amazing blessing to come together all on one accord. We are here to celebrate," another participant said.
Family, friends and supporters gathered at Washington Park to mark the day and honor Krystal with a "Runnin' Away from Domestic Abuse 5K." The event may have been a celebration, but there were tears, too.
"Ever since she's been gone, I've kind of been lost. I need her more than she knows. I wish she was still here," one of Krystal's friends said.
Now, the group is dedicated to saving others from the same fate by supporting organizations that offer resources and help for domestic violence victims and survivors.
"Let's shed some light on this. We can't do anything about what has happened, but we can move forward and hopefully provide a safe place for people and know they're not alone," said Lori Stridde, one Krystal's former colleagues.
As they start year two without Krystal, they're focused on keeping everything in perspective.
"Of course, we miss Krystal every single moment of life for some of us. There's not much we can do. We still have to uphold her legacy while we are still here," Krystal's father, Christopher, said.
A legacy that lives on in her children and the lives she touched.
Mitchell's jury trial is scheduled to start Jan. 9.
All proceeds, including donations from Saturday's event, went to Krystal's children.