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Lauren’s Kids Walk: A 1,500-Mile Journey of Hope for Survivors of Child Abuse

Lauren Book, a passionate advocate and survivor of childhood sexual abuse, is once again embarking on her annual Lauren’s Kids Walk—a 1,500-mile trek across Florida to raise awareness, offer support, and inspire hope for survivors of sexual abuse. The walk, which starts in Key West and ends at the Capitol steps in Tallahassee, will take place throughout April, recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Walking for a Cause: The Mission of Lauren's Kids Walk

Lauren Book is the founder of Lauren’s Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and helping survivors heal. A survivor herself, Book endured years of abuse as a child and turned her pain into a mission to protect and empower others.

“From the time I was 10 years old until I was 16, I was abused,” Book shares. “Instead of letting that darkness define me, I wanted to turn it into something transformative to help others.”

This year marks another chapter in her journey to spread awareness and support survivors. Lauren’s Kids Walk will cover major cities, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Naples, Tampa, Orlando, and Pensacola, before concluding in Tallahassee on April 30. Last year, over 5,000 participants joined the walk, and this year, Book is hoping to engage 7,500 walkers from across the state and beyond.

The Power of Friendship Bracelets: A Symbol of Unity and Strength

In a unique and heartfelt initiative, Book is incorporating friendship bracelets into the walk to offer survivors a tangible token of support. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where fans traded friendship bracelets as a sign of connection and community, Book saw an opportunity to bring a similar sense of solidarity to survivors.

“We’re encouraging survivors to make bracelets with their name and age,” she explains. “These bracelets are then sent to child advocacy centers, where they are given to other survivors. It’s a simple but powerful way to remind them they are not alone.”

Not all the bracelets are survivor stories—some include inspirational messages and Swift’s lyrics, such as “For the hope of it all” and “Speak now.” Book believes that even small gestures like these can have a profound impact on a survivor’s healing journey.

“You never know what a small act of kindness can do to help someone,” she says. “Handing a bracelet to a survivor on the street, offering them something special—it’s a remarkable thing.”

A Community Effort: Events Along the Route

Throughout the Lauren’s Kids Walk, Book and her team will visit schools, advocacy centers, and community organizations, further amplifying their message. Some key stops and events along the way include:

April 8 – PACE Center for Girls, Fort Lauderdale: Participants will create oversized bracelets for the Florida Panthers’ mascots. Additionally, Broward County Sheriff’s deputies will collect bracelets to distribute to children they encounter during difficult cases.
April 14 – Peace River Victim Services, Lakeland: Volunteers will repaint and brighten up the exam and employee break rooms, creating a more comforting environment for those seeking help.
April 21 – Ocala: The Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA), a volunteer organization that provides security and emotional support to abused children, will join the march to show their solidarity.

“We make it a point to walk to these centers and schools,” Book says. “Meeting survivors and advocates in person is crucial—it’s where healing begins.”

Why Lauren’s Kids Walk Matters: A Voice for 42 Million Survivors

In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 42 million survivors of child sexual abuse. Many suffer in silence, often feeling isolated and without support. Lauren’s Kids Walk serves as a reminder that they are not alone and that there is hope for healing.

“Walking 1,500 miles is not easy,” Book admits. “But I do it for the survivors. I do it so they know someone is standing up for them, fighting for change.”

Each step of the Lauren’s Kids Walk not only raises awareness but also educates communities on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to child abuse. The walk also advocates for stronger policies and protections for survivors.

How You Can Get Involved

There are multiple ways for individuals and communities to support Lauren’s Kids Walk:

Join the Walk: Interested participants can sign up at laurenskidswalk.org and choose to walk for a portion of the journey.
Send Friendship Bracelets: Swifties and supporters can contribute handmade friendship bracelets by mailing them to: Lauren’s Kids Office, 4000 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 677-S, Hollywood, FL 33021.
Donate: Contributions to Lauren’s Kids help fund programs for education, advocacy, and direct survivor support.
Spread Awareness: Sharing the initiative on social media using hashtags like #LaurensKidsWalk, #WalkInMyShoes, and #EndChildAbuse can help amplify the message.

A Walk That Changes Lives

For over a decade, Lauren’s Kids Walk has brought together survivors, advocates, and supporters in a powerful display of resilience and unity. With each mile walked and each bracelet exchanged, the movement grows stronger, offering hope to those who need it most.

“The strength of a survivor community is unbreakable,” Book says. “As long as we keep walking, keep speaking up, and keep supporting each other, we can make a difference.”

For more information or to get involved, visit laurenskidswalk.org today.