Hundreds of people are expected to turn out Saturday morning in Cary for a benefit run in memory Nancy Cooper.

Friends and family are hoping to make use of this weekend's anniversary, trying to take some positives out of a tragedy.

"This event is really more to celebrate Nancy's life and remember her, than it is really anything else for us," Hannah Prichard, one of Nancy's friends, said.

Organizers also hope to raise a little money for Nancy's Butterfly Fund, which they started in her memory to help women who are in abusive relationships.

"Starting the fund has been a wonderful way to heal," Prichard said. "It's been wonderful to have that outlet to put our energy into."

The run is being held at Symphony Lake near the Koka Booth Amphitheater.

It was one of the many trails around Cary where Cooper logged hundreds of miles over the years.

Another one is planned the next day in Canada, where most of her family lives.

"Nan was such an avid runner. It means a lot to just have something that she loved to do, and have the community involved in it -- both in Edmonton and here," Cooper's sister Krista Lister said. "It means a lot to the family."

For friends and family, the last year has been tough, but they're trying to focus on the good that's come out of it.

"I have found new strength in tragedy," Lister said. "And I just hope it grows."

Lister lives in Canada now, and has custody of her sister's daughters -- Bella and Katie.

The run gets underway at 8:30, and is open to anyone; on-site registration starts 7:30.

Cooper was found murdered on July 12 several days after she was reported missing. Her husband Brad is in jail accused of strangling her.

Nancy's Butterfly Fund has already raised more than $100,000 between the two efforts here and in Edmonton.

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