Since May 1st, hundreds of activists have been running, jumping, dancing, swimming, biking and working out — all in the name of supporting Love146 for this year’s Tread on Trafficking.
As we do every year, three treaders who have been supremely AWESOME have been nominated for the Tread on Trafficking AWESOME Award. The treader with the most votes will receive two tickets to Love146’s 10-year anniversary event (as well as any and all related glories that come with being named THE MOST AWESOME TREADER OF 2012).
We’re taking the next few days to let the nominees for this year’s Tread on Trafficking AWESOME Award tell their stories of who they are, what they’re doing for Tread on Trafficking and why they’re so passionate about ending child trafficking.
First up is Ariel Santos from Frisco, Texas:
My name is Ariel, and I’m a follower of God with a passion to see the world of human trafficking come to a dead end.
I’ve always dreamed of being part of something bigger than myself. Last year was when I first heard about Tread on Trafficking. I received an email from Love146 and once I learned what it was about I was so intrigued. I thought the idea of putting your foot down and doing something physical to raise money to help Love146 end child trafficking and exploration was so amazing!
I was recently diagnosed with scoliosis and I can feel the pain at times. However, I attend physical therapy three times a week, lifting weights and doing some stretches to help strengthen the muscles in my back. There are good days and some bad. Aside from the therapy I go running around my lake for up to five miles at a time and then I’ll come home and dance for an hour or longer depending on how my body is feeling.
The experience is challenging, but I love it. Each day I push myself further because I look back at yesterday saying, “I made it that far. Today I will make it further.” I run up against obstacles where I want to give up because my body aches or the heat outside is unbearable. However I’m not one to give up easily. I care so deeply for supporting Love146 because what they do is such a beautiful and humbling thing to watch.
I’m astonished by how everyone involved have all the same passion and goal set in mind. It takes real courage to go out there and be part of the change that’s needed. When I’m done with college, my plan is to begin to work in aftercare where it’s available. My motivation roots from the children and being a part of giving them a childhood they deserve full of laughter, love, and joy.
Should Ariel win this year’s AWESOME Award? Cast your vote at www.love146.org/awesomevote
