Two high-profile tragedies brought two moms together on Mother's Day.
The mothers of Odin Lloyd and Martin Richard were among the thousands taking part in the annual Walk for Peace in Boston.
"Thank you so much for being here with us, for celebrating with us, for supporting us," said Denise Richard. "Most importantly, thank you for believing peace is possible."
Denise Richard's, Martin, was the youngest victim killed in Boston Marathon Bombing. Sunday, she joined Ursula Ward, the mother of Odin Lloyd, and close to 15,000 others making strides at the 19th annual event.
"It feels good to celebrate Mother's Day with so many mothers that lost their loved ones," said Ward. "I thank God for today."
The event originated after Tina Chery lost her son to gun violence in the community. Now, her Louis D. Brown Peace Institute helps victims of homicide.
"Violence does not discriminate," said Cherry. "It can touch any of us at any single time. And we're here for peace."
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Even though its Mother's Day, these people have all come out for the Walk for Peace because in some way, they've all been affected by violence in the community.
"I used to run a non profit out here in Dorchester," said Leonard Lee, whose nephew was killed in Boston. "We buried about 47 young people, and that's a tragedy."
"I've done too many funerals," said Pastor William Dickerson of Greater Love Tabernacle. "I want to go to more graduations, and I want to go to more upbeat celebrations concerning young people."
Along with marching through Dorchester, the group has raised an estimated $330,000 to help in the community. Ward is finally receiving some peace after her son's killer, Aaron Hernandez, was found guilty.
She says coming to an event like this is all about calling on others to bring an end to violence.
"Help us show people that there's other ways other than violence," she said.
