Known for her sweet smile and wonderful outlook on life, Kristin didn’t know warning signs that could have saved her life. The controlling behavior she consistently experienced were classic signs of potential trouble. What happened to Kristin needed to be known by others as a way to put an end to this pervasive problem.
Around the time of the first anniversary of Kristin’s death, two of her friends decided to channel their grief in a positive way. They created an event that would keep Kristin’s memory alive, celebrate her 21 years of life, and spread the word about the perils of an unhealthy dating relationship.

Inspired by a eulogy given by a Saint Joseph’s priest at Kristin’s memorial service, the event became known as “Kristin’s Krusade.” It’s a 5K run/walk that has been held annually on the campus of Saint Joseph’s University since September 2006.
The aim of Kristin’s Krusade is to bring dating violence awareness to the place Kristin once called “home” for four years.

After our inaugural event, we recognized the prevalence of dating violence, and formed the Kristin Mitchell Foundation. Our mission is to support educational efforts that raise awareness among college students about the potential dangers of unhealthy dating relationships. Besides our run/walk and all of the attention it rightfully gathers, we also have participated in fundraisers that bring awareness of dating violence to the surrounding communities.

Members of our board have told Kristin’s story on university campuses and in such venues as the National Press Club in Washington, DC. We have appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America” telling what we know, and walked the halls of Congress to gain support and influence national dating violence education efforts. In Maryland, we testified before the House Ways and Means Committee to influence a vote for a teen dating violence bill. Two months later, Maryland unanimously passed a law that allows dating violence education in middle- and high schools for the first time.