3rd Annual Stroll & Roll: A Walk to Prevent Sexual Assult

I remember when Erin first told me that she had been sexually assaulted. We were home from college on summer break, grabbing drinks in Towson, MD at the rooftop bar that was formerly known as The Green Turtle.

As we sipped on Lemon Drops, I watched her school the bartender in how to make her favorite cocktail properly. Her main point was to ensure that it was a cocktail with a kick, but that it had enough lemon zest to mask the Grey Goose.

Shortly after, Erin’s demeanor changed as a familiar face walked through the door. She quickly grabbed my hand and led me to the ladies room. With tear-filled eyes, Erin informed me that this familiar face had sexually assaulted her and that she no longer felt safe in our current environment.

As we exited the building, I remember him watching her leave the room. I only wished that I had punched the lowlife in the face.

Flash forward to spring 2015. I was packing my bags to head to New Orleans for spring break, when I received a text that Erin had collapsed on Wake Forest University’s campus. She would soon be airlifted to Baltimore, where she would head into emergency surgery. My heart was in my throat the entire flight - both hers and mine. I had no idea what had happened or what the outcome would be.

After her surgery, there was relief when I heard from her via text, but something was still not right. She told me to enjoy myself and that we could connect when I returned from my trip.

At the end of the week, I flew back home to Baltimore where I would make a dreary drive to Erin’s house. It was then at her kitchen table where she told me what had happened and said the words no one ever wishes to hear, “I have cancer.”

It was less than a year later that Erin passed, but what she left behind was a quest to put an end to sexual assault. Shortly after her passing, the Erin Levitas Foundation laid down its roots, which envisioned a future with education for youth and young adults to prevent sexual assault and help survivors heal.

Now, my mission is to help ensure her vision comes to life.

I am looking to our community to support Erin’s mission at this year’s 3^rd Annual Stroll & Roll. If 100 members of my network steps forward and donates $29, we will collectively raise $2,900 for her foundation.

Why $29? Erin would have been 29 this year.

If you may have any questions about this year’s event or would like to learn more about Erin’s mission, please do not hesitate to connect. If we can stop sexual harassment early, we can reduce sexual assault and rape.

Thank you in advance for your support. It truly means the world to me and everyone at the foundation!

Grace