Rebecca Mercado Thornton,
is a senior from Romulus, Michigan graduating in May. As a freshman, Rebecca attended the mandatory “No Zebras, No Excuses” performance. It was at this presentation that Rebecca finally found an organized group of people working towards the same things that she was passionate about: aiding survivors of sexual violence. She has been involved with Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates for three years and has been a part of the “No Zebras, No Excuses” cast for two.
Rebecca invited herself on the walk immediately after she first learned of it, fortunately she was warmly welcomed. The one thing that Rebecca hopes she and the other two walkers successfully accomplish is awareness. She hopes that they inspire people to acknowledge sexual violence as a pervasive social dilemma that demands attention and progression because no person is exempt from sexual violence. Rebecca would also like to acknowledge and thank all the wonderful people and businesses that have already donated their time, material, and money to help aid them in their upcoming journey. It would not have become a reality without them, thank you.
Kathryn Kreps,
is a senior at Central Michigan University. Studying english literature and painting, Kathryn has always had an appreciation for the power of storytelling, both oral and visual. Through the walk, Kate hopes to empower individuals experiencing sexual violence and let them know that their suffering does not go unseen and they are not alone. She hopes that the visual impact of the walk will help contribute to communities where this kind of violence is not implicitly accepted due to apathy and a lack of awareness and understanding. And above all, she hopes to meet all of you.
Josh Phillips,
an Illinois native, is currently a Graduate Student at Central Michigan University. He actively began advocating for survivors of sexual violence in the Fall of 2003 during his sophomore year of college. Between his undergraduate and graduate studies, Josh volunteered for a year in Camden, NJ working at homeless shelters and after-school programs. Upon completing his Master’s, Josh hopes to return to a full-time position with a non-profit organization.
I would just like to say that Josh’s description is boring. Not that it should surprise me – Josh is kind of a boring guy. Just kidding! You guys are amazing!
I am so very proud of you guys! Good luck this summer! You are an inspiration!
Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that as a rookie I am glad I have veterans like you to look up to. What you guys are doing inspires me to get more involved. You guys pretty much rock!
Hello from a SAPA alum. It’s great to see SAPA in action! Thank you for your dedication! :)
It was a pleasure to meet you guys Saturday morning. Thanks for stopping by our war protest and introducing yourselves. We have a great deal of respect and appreciation for what you are doing. We hope you found a warm welcome in our town. (By the way some us are very aware of how far a mile is on a hot and humid Florida day and how long this state is.)
Good luck and stay safe
I got to meet the walkers on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th of May in New Smyrna Beach. I’d heard about them through a feminist site, and then after volunteering to happily provide lodging, received a call from Jane Caputi who had met them in a restaurant and taken them home, a week earlier.
It was an amazing evening, quite serendipitous, to be sure. My husband Tom, and I knew the walkers were on their way but really didn’t know when to expect them, and had invited two of our dear friends, both in their early 80s for dinner. As it turned out, Kate, Becca and Josh were the entertainment that evening. But more seriously, they brought committment, and vigor, and loads of humor to a group ranging from 20 to 82.
I didn’t think it possible to become so involved in 3 folks lives in so short an amount of time, but truly felt at a loss as I watched them walk off from Jack Bolt Airfield the morning of the 15th. I’m not a worrier, nor a parent, unless you count caring and loving 6 felines, but all I could think was, “please be safe, I’m so delighted I met you.”
With love & respect,
Holly Rose
I personally believe that what you three are doing is amazing…I just wish that more people would get involved and either walk with you or donate more to the cause. Good Luck and I hope that more people hear about your cause and that more people learn about sexual aggression.
Please Stay Safe.
Sincerely,
Brent L. Kearns
Josh, Kate & Rebecca,
The three of you came and left a footprint on my
heart. I will cherish the time that you spent at my house and will keep you in my prayers as you travel to Boston. I will also keep checking on your progress through my favorite new web site. Take care,
Ingrid
Josh, Kate & Rebecca,
You came and left a footprint on my heart. Thank you for stopping in and spending a few days at my house. I will keep you in my prayers at you travel to Boston. I will also keep checking on you through my favorite new web site.
Ingrid
You guys are truly amazing…. Just reading the people you’ve touched is great!!! Have a safe trip and although somedays it might be hard don’t give up!! You’ve inspired so many already keep it up!!
It was a pleasure to meet you, Tuesday morning. Thanks for stopping by and introducing yourselves. to our small town (Bladenboro, NC). Be Safe and it was a great to meet you both.
Hi Kate & Rebecca,
We’re glad that you chose our doorbell to ring yesterday in Whiteville, NC. It was a pleasure to have you in our home. You are such courageous ladies to be doing what you’re doing, especially in 109 degree southern heat! I hope that the folks at our church took good care of you and that you liked our little town. I’ll send you a copy of your story in The News Reporter as soon as it’s published. If you’re ever this way again, please stop in to see us.
Remember during the long, hot days ahead that you’re walking for a very good cause. So many women think that no one cares, that they have no where to turn for help or that they have to stay in abusive, dangerous situations. Thank you for caring. We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Stay safe and Godspeed,
Valerie, Carl & Spencer
P.S. Don’t pay any attention to what some people say about Yankees….they’ve just never met you girls.
I just read about you guys in my paper the fayetteville (nc) observer. Wish i had known sooner that you were coming through i would have offered a place to sleep, shower, and swim in a pool. I think what y’all are doing is great and commend you for your efforts. Good luck and safe travels.
Sam Aaron
Met these dedicated and courageous young ladies yesterday when they came into our restaurant for lunch in Raleigh. I think that this is an awesome thing that they are doing and I admire them for it. My prayers are with these ladies as well as for the success of their cause – our cause.
Lisa Tindall
Hi guys, just checked in to see where you are now and what wonderful people you have met. I am amazed that all of us who have met you or hear about you are better off for the experience. And a lot of “mothering” comes out from so many people. Something tells me we “aint” seen nutin yet!
Keep it up! It is for a good cause! Wish in my heart I can do it with you, I am in my fifties don’t think I can keep your pace. Proud of you, life is about the purpose and change! You are on your way to a positive future!
Drove by you guys in Pomfret, CT yesterday. Noticed you for some reason, I guess it was the glow of enthusiasm and confidence as you near your goal.
Fantastic accomplishment, you are almost there, congratulations!
I just saw Katryn Kreps in TYRA BANKS SHOW!!!