On March 18th, 2021, Aimee Romero’s life was tragically taken by domestic violence. She was a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. A very active member in the community and talented businesswoman. No one saw it coming, as no one typically does when they hear of domestic violence situations.

October is a month of honor, remembrance, and support for victims of domestic violence. Since 2020, domestic violence incidents in the U.S. showed an increased rate by 8.1%, due to the “pandemic stay-at-home-order,” as the Council on Criminal Justice says. This meant victims who went to work everyday to get away from their abuser, would no longer have that outlet of safety. For Aimee, my mother, it was that time she got to have away from hers.

After the loss of my mom, my aunt, Abbee Summers, and I, decided we needed to try to turn something evil, for the good. That is when we had the idea of founding Aimee’s Hope Foundation. Aimee’s Hope, is a domestic violence foundation that was created in remembrance of my mother, Aimee Romero, while also spreading and raising awareness for victims of domestic violence.

Our biggest fundraiser we have every year is one that is typically held during the last weekend in September or the first weekend in October, which is the annual Aimee Romero Cupcake 5k. This year’s event was held on September 20th, 2025. Held in Greentown, IN, with hundreds in attendance every year for a 5k, food, and fireworks, Aimee’s Hope raises funds to donate to local domestic violence shelters to assist with everyday needs for victims, while also advocating to eradicate domestic violence for good.