One Woman’s Inspiring Journey to the DC Women’s March Raises Over $100,000 for Charity

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In the wake of a transformative election, one woman’s call to action turned into an incredible movement that resonated nationwide. After the election, 31-year-old Mia Thompson felt a familiar pang of inadequacy, similar to what many experienced during that time. As the new year approached and news of the Women’s March on Washington spread, Mia took a moment to reflect on her aspirations for the year ahead—and then she turned those aspirations into action.

“This was my time,” Mia expressed. “I had to make a difference.”

What began as a personal mission transformed into an ambitious plan: to run 240 miles from New York to Washington, D.C., to attend the Women’s March while raising funds for Planned Parenthood. When three friends joined in, Mia founded the group “Four Women Run for All Women,” aiming to raise $44,000 in honor of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States.

Initially, Mia felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about the challenge. Despite her background in running and her previous experience founding the Harlem Run group, she had never attempted anything of this magnitude. “I struggled to decide whether the running or the fundraising would be tougher,” she admitted.

When her mother generously donated $200, Mia thought she might have reached her peak donor. However, she remained motivated, believing that even a small amount would still make a difference. By the eighth day of their journey, they had surpassed their initial goal, ultimately raising over $102,000 for the nonprofit organization.

Mia’s decision to partner with Planned Parenthood was deliberate, knowing that many women would connect with the cause, especially in light of the threats to its funding under the new administration. She hoped her actions would inspire others to take a stand.

Her instincts proved correct. The small group of four runners quickly blossomed into nearly 700 participants eager to join the run. Originally, Mia and her companions planned to start their journey on January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and arrive in Washington on inauguration day. However, with such an influx of support, organizing the logistics became challenging. Mia then adapted the plan to create an overnight relay, allowing anyone to sign up for a 4-mile segment of the run.

As word about the initiative spread, other aspects of their journey evolved as well. Instead of the four women running the entire route with Mia’s boyfriend, Jake, providing support from a van, they could now rotate among numerous runners, allowing for more rest and nourishment. They even had the luxury of taking showers—something they enjoyed at a welcoming home in Philadelphia, where a generous stranger provided food and hospitality.

“Her kindness blew us away,” Mia recounted, amazed by the warmth of a stranger who opened her home to them. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The kindness they encountered continued throughout the trip. “Everything we needed was donated,” Mia noted. From transportation to meals and even bottled water, individuals in the communities they passed through offered their support, proving that generosity knows no bounds. People showed up as early as 3 a.m. to cheer them on, providing refreshments and encouragement along the way.

Despite the overwhelming support, the journey was not without its challenges. The women often took turns sleeping in their cramped van, and rest was hard to come by. After long days of running, they found themselves huddled together, battling leg cramps and swelling knees. “I knew it would be tough,” Mia reflected. “You can’t prepare for something like this in just two weeks.”

When they reached Delaware, after running for twelve straight miles, exhaustion set in. But a crowd of supporters, including a pregnant woman who joined them for part of the run, reignited their spirits. “That kind of dedication is what keeps you going,” Mia said.

As they approached Maryland, the Baltimore Police Department provided an escort, showcasing community support for their cause. One of Mia’s fondest memories came when they arrived in Philadelphia, greeted by a lively crowd. The atmosphere was electric, with music and cheers as over 250 people joined them for the final leg of the run.

After three days of running, the women finally arrived in front of the Capitol Building early Saturday morning. Following a brief rest, they attended the Women’s March, which left Mia feeling exhilarated. “It was wall-to-wall people,” she remembered. “It felt incredible to be part of something so significant.”

Mia’s commitment to Planned Parenthood is deeply personal, stemming from her own experiences. In high school, she and a friend faced a harrowing situation while abroad that led them to seek help from the organization upon their return. “Planned Parenthood has always been there for those in need,” she said.

Her concerns about defunding are rooted in the belief that women should have autonomy over their bodies. “As a runner, my body is my tool,” she explained, emphasizing the need for women to advocate for their own rights.

Inspired by Mia, similar initiatives have begun springing up across the nation. Upcoming runs in cities like Chicago and between San Francisco and Los Angeles are already in the works, and Mia is eager to lend her expertise to those efforts.

“I want everyone to know their voice matters,” she stated passionately. To maintain the momentum of her movement, Mia is developing a website and invites others to connect. Follow “Four Women Run for All Women” on social media for updates, and donations are welcome through her GoFundMe campaign until February 1. “There are so many ways to get involved,” Mia affirmed. “For me, it was running,” but she reminds everyone that action can take many forms.

This remarkable journey illustrates how individual efforts can create ripples of change. For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, resources like ACOG offer valuable insights, while Make a Mom provides essential information on fertility. And for more details on privacy and community engagement, check out this blog post.

In summary, Mia’s journey from New York to Washington, D.C. not only raised a significant amount for charity but also sparked a movement of solidarity and activism among women across the country. With the support of countless individuals, she demonstrated the power of community and the importance of standing up for women’s rights.