Walk Archives
Walk in My Shoes 2011 marked the second annual walk across Florida. Led by Lauren Book and the Lauren’s Kids Foundation, the Walk raised awareness about sexual abuse and urged those who have been abused to speak up, because “it’s always okay to tell.”
The 39-day, 1,000-mile journey began in Key West on Saturday, March 19 and ended on Tuesday, April 26 on the steps of the historic Capitol in Tallahassee for the Lauren’s Kids Rally in Tally at noon. The Rally included the final mile, Lauren’s call to action and memories from the Walk, and statements from state and local leaders.
Stories from the Walk
I had the privilege to walk with Lauren during her stop in Melbourne. This was a life changing event for me. I went from someone who was ashamed of what had happened to me as a child to women who can now hold her head up high. I realized prior to the walk that this was going to be hard but something that I must be a part of. As I reached the starting point my heart was racing with anticipation and also the unknown. Soon it was time to leave and during the walk I had the opportunity to speak with Lauren and share my story with her. It was during this walk that I realized that I wanted to and I needed to do more to help bring awareness to this cause and how amazing Lauren is in everything she has done and will do in the future. I have spoken with my group leader at the women’s center and expressed how next year when Lauren passes by again on her walk how I want to help spread the word and to get as many people out walking with her. I said that I would even go speak at schools, churches and anywhere that will hear my story and listen to what Laurens Kids is all about. This is something that I would have never even considered prior to joining in on the walk. I am now looking forward to sharing my story instead of something that I hid in shame and I owe this to all my hard work and the opportunity that I had to meet Lauren and hear her story. I still wear my bracelet that we all were given prior to the walk and when someone asks me about it I take the opportunity to share with them. Thanks to Lauren for being the awesome individual that she is.
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