What began as a spark of inspiration from one determined woman transformed into a nationwide movement, uniting hundreds of participants with a shared goal. Meet 31-year-old Mia Thompson, who, like many others, felt a pressing need to take action after the recent election. With the dawn of a new year and the announcement of the Women’s March on Washington, she reflected on her aspirations for the coming months. Determined to make a difference, Mia declared, “This is my time to shine. I have to do something!”
And what a “something” it turned out to be! Mia devised an ambitious plan: a 240-mile run from New York City to Washington, D.C., to join the Women’s March, all while raising funds for women’s health services. When three friends joined her cause, she formed the team “Four Women Run for All Women,” setting an initial fundraising goal of $44,000 to honor Barack Obama, the 44th president.
Mia had her doubts initially. While she had experience from previous marches and was a seasoned runner with a community group called Harlem Run, this was a whole new ballgame. “I had no idea what would be tougher: the run or the fundraising,” she mused. When her mom chipped in $200, Mia thought that would be it. Yet she remained optimistic, saying, “Even if we only raised $500, the important thing is that we were taking action.” And what action it turned out to be! By the eighth day, they had surpassed their goal, eventually raising over $102,000 for Planned Parenthood.
Mia’s choice to align with Planned Parenthood was intentional, given the looming threats to its funding under the new administration. She hoped her actions would inspire others to join the cause. And join they did! The initial team of four runners swelled to nearly 700 eager participants. What was originally a four-woman run set to kick off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day morphed into an overnight relay, allowing anyone to contribute a 4-mile leg of the journey.
As the news of Mia’s mission spread, the logistics of managing such a large group became a bit overwhelming. But thanks to the community’s support, the runners were able to rest more frequently and even enjoyed warm showers along the way. In Philadelphia, a generous woman opened her home, providing the group with sandwiches, soup, and fresh towels – a heartwarming reminder of the kindness of strangers.
“Everything we needed was donated,” Mia said, marveling at the goodwill surrounding their journey. From meals to hydration, support poured in from those who wanted to rally around the cause. Women even showed up at the crack of dawn to provide coffee and snacks, while others appeared in the afternoon with grilled chicken and quinoa. They ended up with so much food that they couldn’t finish it all, but true to their spirit of generosity, they donated the leftovers to a local homeless shelter.
The run was not without its challenges. The women took turns sleeping in the van, which was more like a sardine can than a cozy retreat. After long stretches of running, they huddled together, cramping and exhausted. “Training for something like this in two weeks is nearly impossible,” Mia admitted. Yet, the sight of cheering crowds kept them motivated. At one point, a 34-week pregnant woman even joined them on the run, embodying the spirit of the cause.
As they approached Maryland, the Baltimore Police Department provided an escort, showing their support. But perhaps Mia’s favorite moment was when they reached Philadelphia, where a lively crowd welcomed them with music and cheers, swelling their ranks to over 250 enthusiastic supporters for the last leg of the journey.
After three grueling days, Mia and her team arrived at the Capitol Building, just in time for the Women’s March. “It was exhilarating to be part of such a massive gathering,” she recalled. “It was a powerful feeling to have made that journey and participate in something so significant.”
For Mia, Planned Parenthood’s role in her life has been pivotal since her high school years, when she and a friend turned to the organization for support after a traumatic incident. “Planned Parenthood is a vital resource for everyone, regardless of their situation,” she emphasized.
As the movement inspired others, runs began popping up across the country, with plans for events in Chicago and Miami, and Mia is lending her expertise to help. “Women are eager to get involved, and I want to ensure this momentum continues,” she stated. She is also working on a website to keep the movement alive. If you want to get involved, check out Four Women Run for All Women on social media or support Mia’s GoFundMe page until February 1. “There are countless ways to take action,” she said. “For me, it was running.” And she reminds us, “There’s no wrong way to get involved; it’s all about taking that first step.”
In summary, Mia’s inspiring journey to the DC Women’s March not only raised over $100,000 for charity but also sparked a nationwide movement. With an unwavering spirit of generosity and community support, she has empowered others to take action in their own ways. Discover more about home insemination and related topics at the helpful resources provided, such as this excellent overview of artificial insemination and insights from a trusted authority on home insemination kits.