More than five hundred people filled Truist Field on a cool Saturday morning-- smiling, laughing, hugging friends new and old, and gathering together for one shared purpose: supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

For many, Walk A Mile is more than a fundraiser. It's a visible reminder to survivors that they are not alone. 

Safe Alliance works every day to help survivors move toward hope and healing after experiencing some of life's most painful and traumatic circumstances. At Walk A Mile, that mission comes to life in powerful ways both big and small. 

Mrs. North Carolina 2026 (United Crown of America) stood bravely on stage and shared her story in front of hundreds of attendees, while others sat quietly in the crowd, hearing pieces of their own experiences reflected back to them. Some cried. Some held hands. Some simply listened.

Meanwhile, participants raced around the entirety of Truist Field (some in high heels) to symbolize "walking in their shoes" and showing support for survivors everywhere. One of the day's fastest finishers in heels, Karim Kajani, also recieved another award earlier that morning for being the highest individual fundraiser, raising more than $27,000 for Safe Alliance's mission.

The event wasn't only emotional-- it was joyful, too. 

Children ran through the stadium with painted faces, temporary tattoos, and mouths full of cotton candy. They eagerly waited in line for the bouncy house. Families danced to music between activities. Excited kids rushed towards Homer the Dragon whenever he appeared nearby (and a few hid from him). People stopped and shopped at our vendors-- buying jewelry that was made by survivors in East Asia, handmade crochet items, and even getting a real tattoo. 

Everywhere you looked, there were reminders that healing also includes moments of laughter, community, and celebration. 

I spent the day photographing this beautiful and inspiring event, capturing smiles, speeches, races, and all of the quiet moments in between. But the moment that stayed with me most happened after the event had already ended. 

The streamers had been taken down. Volunteers were loading boxes into cars. The crowds were all gone. 

I was standing outside with my Bernese Mountain Dog, Bruno (yes, Walk A Mile was dog friendly, and yes, it was one of the best parts of the day), when a woman walking down the street stopped and looked at him. 

"Is this the breed of dog that helps people?" she asked with a smile. "I think I saw a documentary about them," she took a moment and looked at all of the people moving around us, "What happened here today?"

I laughed and told her that yes, Bruno was a Bernese Mountain Dog-- though he probably wouldn't be rescuing anyone from snowy mountains anytime soon (he's afraid of balloons). 

"And today was Walk A Mile," I explained. "It's a fundraising event for Safe Alliance, a nonprofit that helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence."

Immediately, her expression softened. 

"I spent time in the Safe Alliance shelter," she told me quietly, shaking her head. "Thank you for everything you do. You're all saving lives."

Then she leaned down to pet Bruno.

"Even if it's not on a mountain."

At that moment, it felt like the entire purpose of the day became clear.

Walk A Mile is about fundraising, awareness, and advocacy-- but at its forefront, it's about connection. It's about survivors knowing that there is a community standing beside them. It's about creating spaces where healing feels possible. And it's about reminding people that sometimes changing a life doesn't always look dramatic. 

Sometimes, it looks like showing up. 

Thank you to every participant, volunteer, donor, sponsor, survivor, and supporter who helped make Walk A Mile 2026 such a meaningful day. Together, we are helping survivors move toward safety, healing, and hope.