Introducing our 2018 Champions for Change

Dr. Judith Linden and Stephen Marcus

This post was written by 2018 Champions for Change Dr. Judith Linden with her husband and co-honoree Stephen Marcus. 

I first got involved with BARCC when I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the amazing support that the medical advocates offered my patients in the emergency department, as both an emergency medicine physician and a sexual assault nurse examiner (or SANE). I watched as they sat by the survivor, not asking any questions, or requiring anything of the survivor, but always there to offer whatever was needed to the survivor or their friends or family.

I have had the privilege of working closely with the training personnel at BARCC as we collaborated to train the next generation of emergency medicine physicians to offer trauma informed care to our patients. BARCC fills a unique need in our community, from medical advocacy to 24-7 staffing of their hotline, to offering information on their forensic website, to prevention and bystander intervention trainings at schools and in communities.

Stephen became aware of BARCC through my work, and chose to actively support BARCC in his own way as a Ben & Jerry’s franchisee. Through attending BARCC Galas, he became inspired by the tireless work the advocates perform each and every day.  As a thank you, and in recognition of their incredible commitment, he began donating on-site catered Sundae Parties at the BARCC offices. In 2016, Stephen partnered with BARCC as his Free Cone Day fundraising partner at his Harvard Square Shop. Over the past two years, this partnership has generated significant funds for BARCC, and more importantly, a heightened awareness of the issue of sexual assault and the invaluable services BARCC provides.

In this era of increased awareness and disclosures of sexual harassment and assault, now more than ever there is a critical need for BARCC’s unique services.

In this era of increased awareness and disclosures of sexual harassment and assault, now more than ever there is a critical need for BARCC’s unique services.

We continue to support BARCC in its quest to offer support without judgement to any survivor, their families and friends, because we know how vital increased awareness of BARCC’s services, and corresponding financial support are to BARCC’s being a vital resource in the Greater Boston community.

Learn more about the annual Champions for Change Gala and Auction, and become a supporter today!