S. Dearborn Freshman Invites Community To Walk To End Bullying

By Mike Perleberg Alyssa Baker, 15, and friends are organizing the Heal, Don't Hurt Run/Walk on October 22. Photo provided. (Aurora, Ind.) – A South Dearborn High School student is looking to make a difference in the lives of kids, who like her, have been bullied. Freshman student Alyssa Baker is organizing a walk at the high school track in Aurora on Saturday, October 22 from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. The idea of the Heal, Don't Hurt Run/Walk is to take a stand against bullying. "I was bullied when I was younger and in the past year. I just decided to do something about it," Baker says. Heal, Don’t Hurt will be free and open to everybody, whether they want to run or walk for all two hours or just a few minutes. Adults or kids who come alone will find a walking partner at what Baker calls a "buddy booth." The walk will also include speeches, raffles, t-shirts, and a bake sale to benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Donations will be taken for The Chris Lytle Foundation, a non-profit working to raise awareness of and stop autism, suicide, bullying, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. Chris "Lights Out" Lytle is a former UFC champion who now works as a firefighter in Indianapolis and delivers motivational speeches in schools across the country. Even if folks cannot make it to the walk, Alyssa hopes people take notice of her efforts. "I want to show people that it is happening and we need to make it stop," she says. Baker is getting help from friends Kerra Manor and Carly Utter in putting the walking event together. They've gotten support and encouragement from their classmates and teachers. Alyssa is the daughter of Richie and Danielle Baker, of Aurora. Danielle says area businesses are welcome to sponsor Heal, Don't Hurt or donate items to the raffle. Follow the event’s Facebook page for updates, https://www.facebook.com/events/342443369423833/.