Survivor is a strong word.
It means you faced trauma and made it through. Trauma either sucks the life from you and
those around you, or it fills you with hope that one day we may live in a
trauma free world, and that hope pours from you, spilling into the world.
Paulette McKenzie Leaphart is a survivor. As a young girl, abuse nearly killed
her. She could have let it fill her with
darkness, but instead she lifted her eyes to God and made a deal that if he
would see her through the darkness, she would make a difference in the lives of
children. Paulette was filled with hope.
Her hope spilled out into the world around her, and she did
grow up to make a difference in the lives of children.
Then, cancer nearly took her from them. Paulette is a fighter, and she wasn’t about
to let cancer have the last word.
Through the battle because of the cost of healthcare, she lost
everything, including her home and transportation. Still, through it all, she was filled with
hope that she could make a difference.
It was hope that led her to take the first step in her 1000
mile walk to speak to congress with nothing but a few things, a stroller, and
her 8-year-old daughter. Paulette is on
a mission to find a cure for cancer, and she’s walking topless in an effort to
rally the troops and show everyone that cancer will not define her. Her actions will define her.
On June 27th, she will show the world what it
means to be a hero. No matter how hard
the road is, she still sings God’s praises and keeps a positive attitude,
posting on Facebook, “Singing… I don’t feel no ways tired… NOOOOOO BODY TOLD
me, the roads would be easy!!!! And I
don’t believe HE brought me this far to leave me!”
It takes a strong woman to be featured as a Wonder Woman
Wednesday recipient, and Paulette blows strength out of the water. I am honored to tell just a small piece of her story in hopes that it will amplify her strength.
Please follow her hashtag #1000milewalk and Show her some
love, and follow her journey on Facebook.
If you’re in her path, get out there and show your support.
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