ORLANDO, Fla. – More than a year after the tragic murder of Madeline “Maddie” Soto, the community came together once again to raise awareness for child abuse victims through the second annual “Every Child Should Be Protected 5K.”
Runners gathered at Ivanhoe Park Brewing, crossing the finish line in honor of Soto and other children who have suffered abuse. Participants said the event was a way to turn tragedy into action.
“I think what inspires me is my two daughters,” said Jessica Johnson, a runner in the event. “I can’t imagine a world where anyone would harm a child.”
Funds raised from the race will support Rise Community Solutions’ Child Advocacy Center Osceola, an organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse.
For Nydia Lampkin and her friends, this 5K was their first, but the cause made it especially meaningful.
“I believe every child should be protected in some shape or form because children don’t really have a voice,” Lampkin said.
Scottie Gallegos, the event’s founder, said the race is not only a tribute to Soto but also a way to spread awareness about child abuse.
“This is happening around us. We don’t want it to be, but we can help give victims a voice to speak out or a safe place to go,” Gallegos said.
With growing support from the community, Gallegos hopes the event will continue for years to come.
“This is our second year, but I hope to do it for many, many years,” she said.