10th annual Walk in My Shoes event makes a final stop in Panama City

PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – People are showing their support for survivors of child abuse and sexual assault.

It’s the annual Walk in My Shoes event at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

Repping running shoes and blue t-shirts to empower survivors.

Walk in My Shoes is a month-long trek that began in Key West and is making its final stop here in Panama City.

1,500 miles of walking to show support to victims of abuse and assault.

The event was started by the Lauren’s Kids Foundation.

“This is the last stop on the journey. Today is the last day. It has been an incredible, incredible journey. You know, 1500 miles is no small feat. This is the 10th time that we have done it,” Lauren’s Kids Founder and CEO Lauren Book said.

It’s held every year in April.

Which is sexual assault awareness and child abuse prevention month.

Book and her team started walking on April 2.

“I probably would have done a Segway in My Shoes and not a Walk in My Shoes had I known I’d be doing this ten years later. But as I said, it has become so much a part of what we do in the space of child protection,” Book said.

The Lauren’s Kids founder said the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center has been such an important resource for the kids of Bay County.

She said when she was growing up she wished she had a therapist like the one available at the center.

“We have done a lot of work with the C.A.C. back during Hurricane Michael. We did an incredible remodel of their other building that was destroyed during the storm, again, because of the work of Lori Allen, the executive director here, and the therapists who are just incredibly special. This place has a special place in our heart,” Book said.

One of the participants Saturday has been involved with the advocacy center for 11 years.

Since the Walk in My Shoes event started, she has taken part in the festivities.

“People don’t want to talk about child sexual abuse like they do. Like it’s not a thing. And then they can just go on about being here. You know that like it does happen and even if no one believes you or you went to court and you got a not guilty, they’re still here believing in you. And they’re still here like letting you speak to them and just letting you even they’re here for you,” participant Trophie Long said.

Participants walked just under five miles this weekend morning.

After the walk, they had access to bouncy houses, food, face painting, and resources for victims.

“It’s one of those things where you communicate and talk to survivors and you’re empowering them. It was also an interesting physical manifestation of your healing journey through abuse. It seems impossible that you cannot do it, but with the help of your family, friends, and community, you too can do things that you never thought possible,” Book said.

Senator Jay Trumbull and State Attorney Larry Basford also made an appearance to show their support.

To learn more about Lauren’s Kids click here or the resources that the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center click here .

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