More lives are impacted every year by one TCU alumna’s legacy. Current and past Horned Frogs are raising awareness of 40 million slavery victims through the Cowtown races.
In 2015, Maddie Bailey established an International Justice Mission (IJM) chapter on campus. She created ‘Outrun Trafficking’, a branch of IJM, to fundraise through races for local non-profits.
Emma Scheer, IJM vice president of advocacy, is overseeing Outrun Trafficking’s Cowtown Marathon event. She said it is important for students to know they can make a difference.
“IJM is inspired to raise awareness because we cannot fight this fight if half or more of the world is unaware,” Scheer said. “We are inspired to end slavery in our lifetime.”
Awareness continues to spread as IJM’s size, reach and funds increase each year, with over $35,000 raised in total.
Outrun Trafficking has raised over $11,000 and gained 14 sponsors this year. Trafficking911 and theNet, local non-profits, will be the fundraiser’s recipients.
Katie Sandquist, an intern for The Net, is a TCU student who visits female victims of exploitation and slavery in jail. She said a lot of staff, interns and volunteers are TCU students or alumni.
“I am running for all of the women I have gotten to meet though The Net who are being exploited and for the other 40 million women,” Sandquist said.
The Net develops healthy relationships with people who are in need of a support system, and Sandquist loves that they go beyond just providing services.
“We remind ourselves that these pains are temporary and cannot even compare to the pain victims of trafficking and slavery endure,” Scheer said.
A small school battles a huge injustice, but they are not alone. TCU students and the Fort Worth community stand united to work against the area’s slavery.
“This issue of modern slavery cannot be truly stomped out and defeated without involvement and awareness but also the means to end it,” Scheer said.
The 41st Cowtown Marathon will be held Feb. 23 and 24. With every step, Outrun Trafficking’s team of runners will fight for breath and to
