Shaun's Walk for Victims of Violent Crime

Shaun’s Walk for Victims of Violent Crime

Shaun Wild, our son, brother and friend, lost his life to a senseless act of violence on February 4th, 2012 in Naperville, Illinois. Our Family has decided to embark on a 40 mile walk to raise funds for victims of violent crime and their families. I, Bruce Wild, will depart from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois where Shaun began his college career and walk to the campus of North Central College in Naperville, IL where Shaun graduated in 2011. We anticipate kicking off the event on Friday, May 17th at ~10:00 am and completing the walk on Sunday afternoon, May 19th.

At the time of his death, Shaun was a second grade teacher at Springbrook Elementary in Naperville, IL. Since then, our family and friends have provided scholarships for students at Brown Deer High School, where Shaun attended high school, and North Central College. Our family has looked for ways to honor his memory and extend his life of service. We see this event as another way of honoring his memory, by providing financial assistance to victims of violent crime and their families.

We have set up a Go Fund Me page, with all proceeds being directed to the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime National Compassion Fund based out of Washington, D.C. This organization coordinates with local communities to provide financial support to families affected by mass casualty events. They have done great work going back to Columbine, 9/11, Virginia Tech, NIU, Sandy Hook and many others. This organization is the leading advocate for victims of violent crime and their families. Since Shaun’s passing, we have met with and shared stories with many families of victims of violent crime. We have grieved together, prayed together and offered support to each other as we all seek a path to healing.

Violent crime is indiscriminant; it knows no borders or boundaries. It affects all demographics of race, sex, religion and national origin. The effects on families are devastating both emotionally and financially. The effects are life-changing and long-lasting. Each step of this journey is dedicated to the memory of the victims and to build solidarity with the survivors who must carry this burden for the rest of their lives.

We will post updates on Shaun’s “In Memory of Shaun Wild” Facebook page each day. We hope to reconnect with our Springbrook and NCC Families over the weekend. Walkers are encouraged to join us. T shirts can be ordered and picked up at Beyond Measure Training in Naperville or from our WiLd family at The Lantern on Saturday, May18 . More event details will be found on this Facebook page.

With our love and appreciation,

Bruce, Jami, Shaun, Kevin and Shannon Wild