A Mile in Her Shoes

During the summer between middle school and junior high, one of my best friends disappeared. I didn't really know what had happened to her until she sent me a letter. We spent the rest of the summer communicating by sending each other hours of cassette tapes. It wasn't until high school that I understood that her mother had been a victim of domestic violence. And, like most women in such relationships, she went back to her husband a number of times before . . . the relationship ended for good.

That first summer of not knowing where my friend was, was just the first of many times when she would suddenly disappear. She got better about calling me to let me know that everything was okay. Well, as okay as they could be given the circumstances. As a teenager, I had no idea how to talk to my friend about what was going on. Most of the time, we didn't talk about it. Looking back, I wish I could have been a better friend.

Perhaps in an effort to redeem myself, since high school, I have spent a lot of time working with victims of domestic violence and domestic violence shelters. My most recent role in this arena has been as the community service chair of Young Lawyers Division (YLD). For the last two years, my committee has focused on community service projects benefiting women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.

On October 16, YLD hosted the First Annual Walk Against Violence to kick off YWCA's Week Without Violence. All proceeds of the walk went to the YWCA, a shelter that serves over 8,000 women and children annually.

As stressful as it was putting this race together--I've barely ran a 5K, let alone organize one--everything fell into place perfectly. We were able to get several amazing sponsors: American Express, YLD (of course), Women Lawyers of Utah, Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, Richards Brandt Miller & Nelson, Dorsey & Whitney, and Durham Jones. Brandon Walker designed our awesome logo for free. Sports Am timed it for a substantially discounted race. Our costs were completely covered so that all of the registration fees went directly to YWCA.

The best part--The High Heel Challenge! We put men symbolically in her shoes to "Walk a Mile in her Shoes." Rod looked super-sexy in the fuzzy pink heels I purchased for him. :) I thought they would calmly walk the mile, collect their medals, and leave. Instead, there was a full on sprint. Terry Welch, Rob Harrow/Ponte, and Brian Lloyd won first, second, and third, respectively.



My good friends, Clem and Joanna also took first and second in the mens and womens 5K respectively. Judge McHugh also placed in her age category. So many of my friends showed up to support me (and the cause!).

YWCA was so pleased. We are already planning next year's event!




If you missed the race and want to contribute, check out www.ywca.com.