Sima Pariseau and her son Dylan Pariseau were killed in an incident of domestic violence in 2024.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WILBRAHAM — One year ago, Sima Pariseau and her son Dylan Pariseau were killed in an incident of domestic violence. Two days shy of the anniversary of their death, hundreds of people will take to the streets around Wilbraham’s Fountain Park in their honor. The walk, “3.3 Miles for Change,” will raise funds to help others affected by domestic violence.
Sima’s daughter, Sophie Pariseau, said she wanted to find a way to honor her mother and brother. At the same time, she said, “I wanted to do it in a way that would help others.” To accomplish this, Sophie partnered with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts. The YWCA of Western Massachusetts, the fifth largest YWCA in the country, is an organization that works to address racism and empower women. It offers domestic violence programs to individuals and families in need.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “Over 1-in-3 women and 1-in-4 men in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.” Those who have experienced intimate partner violence are three times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, engage in self-harm or have suicidal thoughts. They are six times more likely to have substance use disorders.
The rain-or-shine walk on Saturday, June 14, will step off from Fountain Park, 883 Tinkham Rd., at 10 a.m., with registration open one hour prior. The 3.3-mile course for the walk will take participants through the neighborhoods surrounding Fountain Park. She said there are sidewalks along every step of the route, for safety.
The course distance and the $33 adult registration fee are reminders of Dylan’s baseball jersey number. The fee for children 12 years old and younger is $12, while dogs can be registered to walk for $10. Sophie said all registration fees, sponsorships and donations will go directly to the YWCA of Western Massachusetts.
More than two weeks before the walk, Sophie Pariseau said that nearly 600 people had registered for the event. “I’m hoping to get to 600. We’re really, really close,” she said. After the walk, participants can stay at Fountain Park for a community raffle.
When asked what she wants to come from the walk, Sophie said, “I think I just want people to talk more. Domestic violence is such a silent issue for men and women. It needs to be more accessible.”
While raising money for the cause is important, Sophie said her mother and brother were more than their deaths. “When people think of them, I don’t want them to just think of domestic violence,” she said. “Just look at how many people came out for them and how many lives they touched while they were still here and how many lives they’re still touching.”
To register for the walk or to donate any amount, visit tinyurl.com/24t3by33.
