“Domestic violence refers to violent acts committed by a family or household member against another, such as child abuse or the mistreatment of one’s spouse” (“Definition of Domestic Violence”, findlaw.com).

Kathy Scharbarth, mother of Cathedral junior Madison Scharbarth, was one person who fell victim to domestic violence on Thanksgiving day of 2011, her thirty-fourth birthday. Domestic violence would change Kathy’s life and the lives of others forever.

Kathy was, in Madison’s words, a “kind and forgiving person who never said no to anyone. She was always looking to help everyone all the time.” Kathy was essentially a beautiful person. But on November 24, 2011, everything would change. The days leading up to November 24th were occupied by comments of domestic violence triggered by Kathy’s ex-boyfriend via voicemails, texts, and emails. Kathy was even granted a restraining order that was violated by her ex-boyfriend.

Kathy’s disappearance on November 24th came as a surprise to everyone who knew her. Many of Kathy’s friends visited her on the day she disappeared, so it was hard for many people to comprehend what had happened. On November 25, 2011, Kathy’s body was found in the back-country of San Diego.

Since the event occurred Madison Scharbarth and her family have had to live with Kathy’s death and carry on. Madison commented on how her family has been holding up since. “My family is doing awesome! We are always close to one-another and we are each other’s support system” she said.

The Scharbarths have risen to become stronger than ever before and in 2012, the Kathy’s Legacy Foundation was formed. Madison explained what the Kathy’s Legacy Foundation does. “The foundation raises money to support victims and children that have either been abused or have witnessed domestic violence,” said Madison. “We provide tangible protection for victims of domestic violence.”

Though the foundation is fairly new, it has been able to set up two fundraisers, and a few activities including a self-defense class have been held by the foundation as well. The Kathy’s Legacy Foundation is also partnered with Rady Children’s Hospital, and the money earned from the fundraisers will finance the Chadwick Center at the hospital. The Chadwick Center will provide extracurricular activities to children affected by domestic violence.

On Sunday, April 19th, the Kathy’s Legacy Foundation will be holding their first 5,000 meter run on the Cathedral campus. Day-of registration will take place between 8:30 and 9:45 A.M. and the run will start at 10:00 A.M. The registration can be found at www.kathyslegacy.org/products/5kregistration (the CCHS five-dollar-off promo code is CCHS5OFF).

The Kathy’s Legacy Foundation has accomplished a lot since its formation. One key accomplishment of the Kathy’s Legacy Foundation was the creation of Kathy’s Law. Kathy’s Law, also known as Assembly Bill 2467, will allow judges to order electronic monitoring on violators. This will allow the domestic violence victim to be notified whenever the perpetrator is in close proximity. Assembly Bill 2467 was authored by California State Assembly member Ben Hueso.

Kathy Scharbarth’s sister, Melissa Scharbarth, also commented on her sister’s characteristics. “My sister had unmistakable beauty. She always put Madison before herself, and that is one thing we will always remember Kathy for,” she said. Kathy’s legacy, according to her family and the San Diego community, has become a reality, and the work that has been undertaken by the Scharbarth family truly reflects the type of person Kathy Scharbarth was in her lifetime.