Run for Congo Women

The other day, I was listening to NPR's show On Point, and they had a show called, "Saving Women in Congo." I was absolutely inspired by Lisa Shannon, who was so motivated to help the women of Congo, that she created a fundraising program called "Running for Congo Women" which raises money for a wonderful organization called, "Women for Women International."

What I really liked was the fact that she combined her passion, Running, with her passion to help the women of Congo. Now that's something I can fully and whole heartedly support, a person using their passions to make the world around them a better place.

I checked the website and the closest event is in Conover, NC, on November 6th. I'm signed up to walk and am looking for donations. I picked a target goal of $360 because that would support 1 woman for 1 year to get medical attention, psychological help, food and training to help EMPOWER her and her family. Let them know that there are people out there who care about her and want her to succeed.

So far, I have $30 raised and I'm hoping that there will be others out there who will feel empowered to walk with me or donate money to help the women. Clicking on the banner below will take you to my fundraiser page and from there you can join the team as well if you are in the area. We would love to have you!

For more information about what is going on in Congo, here is a video clip from PBS's Newshour.

The Story of Generose is who I will share here but there are many more women's stories you can read at Lisa Shannon's website:

Generose has lived through some of the worst violence I ever heard about. As part of an attack, a militia cut off her leg. But when I met her, I noticed she had painted the toenails on her prosthetic leg! This woman is all spirit and heart. She has built a business which makes $70/ month and two employees in an area where most families are living off of $20/ month. She's sending her kids to school, owns her own home, and lives in a safe neighborhood. One of the most resilient women I've ever met!

I had read in an article was that Generose was raped by the militia, who then cut her leg off and forced her children to eat her leg. Her 8 year old son refused and they murdered him in front of her.

That is what the media doesn't tell you. My heart cries to think of all the women being tortured and who are suffering and I just wonder, what can I do? And then I think of Lisa and a story that I heard once:

There was a terrible storm on the coast that washed millions of starfish onto the beach. A man was watching this other man who was walking along the beach throwing the starfish back into the ocean. The guy walks up to the other guy and ask him, "Why bother? There's millions of starfish and only one of you, it's not going to matter." The other guy picked up a starfish and threw it back into the ocean, "It mattered to that starfish."