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90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making A Difference

Western Pennsylvania has a strong tradition of neighborhood, personal and community commitment. Our pride in pulling together goes far beyond supporting our deep-rooted sports teams. 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference honors the individuals that are making a difference in people's lives on the ground level and reminding us we are all truly a part of each other's lives.This special series, supported by UPMC, will highlight, honor and celebrate Western Pennsylvanians who are unsung heroes daring to make a difference to others in our community.00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770c8000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770ca000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cc000090.5 WESA PA listening area counties:Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Westmoreland, Butler, Armstrong, Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Fayette, Indiana00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cd0000This project is made possible by a generous contribution from UPMC.

Karissa’s Army, Raising Domestic Violence Awareness

90.5 WESA | By 90.5 WESA

Published July 11, 2014 at 3:30 AM EDT

Read and listen to a story about Karissa’s Army as part of a series honoring the individuals who make a difference in people’s lives: 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference.

Karissa Kunco was a cheerful, optimistic 21-year old with many friends, a close family and dreams of someday being a pharmacist.

Those dreams were shattered in January of 2012, when Karissa became a victim of domestic violence. Her ex-boyfriend stalked her, brutally killing her and leaving her body in a wooded area in Washington County.

Devastated by her death, Karissa’s friends did not want her to be just another statistic. They formed what they called “Karissa’s Army” in the hopes of creating awareness of domestic violence. It started at the funeral home when they sold hundreds of wrist bands that said “Karissa’s Army” on them.