CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) — It's been one year since a Warwick family was devastated by a  murder-suicide that claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy. Liam Dempsey was shot and killed by his own father on March 21, 2024. "I can't believe it's been a year already," said Karla Santizo, Dempse y's aunt. "There have been good days and there have been bad days." 12 on 12 Digital Original: A Mother's Anguish Though Dempsey's life was taken way too soon, his mother Estefania Dempsey has made it her mission to keep her son's memory alive. "I'm just going to dedicate the rest of my time here on Earth to spreading awareness and trying to help others," Estefania told 12 News. Hundreds are expected to gather this weekend in Central Falls to do just that. The Wave Runners Run Crew is hosting a walk/run in Liam's honor Saturday morning at Veterans Memorial Park. Santizo hopes the sea of runners wearing purple — Liam's favorite color — will further prove to her sister that she's not alone in her grief. "It's a tragic thing," Santizo said. "I just want her to see that she's always going to have the community with her." The Wave Runners Run Crew has already raised more than $1,500 for the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, which offers support to victims of domestic violence. "I never thought it was be this big, but I definitely want to thank the community because they've been there for Estefania since day one and we wouldn't be able to get through this without them," Santizo said. There will be a group stretch at 8:45 a.m. before the 2.5-mile walk/run steps off at 9 a.m. It will immediately be followed by a ceremony honoring Liam's legacy. Those interested in participating in the walk/run or making a donation can do so online. The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center told 12 News the donations are extremely helpful, especially during a time of uncertainty when it comes to federal funding. In a statement to 12 News, the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center's Rachel Caliri explained that the nonprofit doesn't expect most of that federal funding to ever return. Carili add that, as a result, the nonprofit has been forced to dip into its reserves and lines of credit to meet the growing demand. "That's why events like the run for Liam are so incredible," Carliri said. "Not only do they help raise critical funds, but they also bring much-needed awareness to the issue of domestic violence." "In this case, it's even more meaningful because it honors Liam's memory in such a powerful way," she continued. If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text or chat 988BH Link: Rhode Islanders can call 401-414-LINK (5465)Kids' Link RI: Parents can call 1-855-543-5465 If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, seek help immediately: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Rhode Island Helpline RI: 800-494-8100Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: 800-494-8100Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center: 401-738-1700Women's Resource Center: 401-846-5263Crossroads RI: 401-861-2760 Massachusetts SafeLink: 877-785-2020SSTAR Women's Center: 508-675-0087The Women's Center: 508-999-6636New Hope: 800-323-HOPE (4673)Health Imperatives: 508-588-TALK (8255) Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less