A San Antonio woman, through sweat and determination, has trekked 70 miles to Uvalde, Texas, in tribute to the lives lost in the heartbreaking Robb Elementary School shooting. Paloma Gonzalez, an ultramarathoner and nurse, began her journey from her home in San Antonio on May 23 and arrived to cheers at Uvalde Town Square, KENS 5 reports.
In a statement obtained by News 4 San Antonio, Gonzalez who is also a dedicated supporter of charitable causes, aimed to reach Uvalde Plaza by 5 pm and rose beyond just a memorial run, using the occasion to fund scholarships for local students. She pledged $1,000 of the donations raised to the Uvalde High School football player wearing jersey #21, a symbolic gesture connecting to the 21 individuals whose lives were snuffed out in the school shooting.
Gonzalez, who works at San Antonio Children's Hospital, empathized deeply with the parents who lost their children, telling KENS 5 before she embarked on her run, “It really hit way too close to home for me.” Her heartache turned into action as she not only completed the run but also uplifted the community spirit with her initiative.
Supported by a team ensuring her safety, Gonzalez’s run was a beacon of unity and support for Uvalde. Upon her arrival, she presented the scholarship check to Caden Smith, the football player donning the meaningful jersey number. Gonzalez told the gathered crowd, according to KENS 5, “I wanted to do something for the community and I feel like you guys have given me way more than I could give you.”
This somber yet meaningful tribute resonates beyond the confines of Uvalde square, stretching the cords of community and compassion that hold us together in times of immeasurable loss. And for the families affected by the tragedy, Gonzalez delivered a message of solidarity, “you went through the most horrible thing, but you don't have to go through it alone because you have other communities that have your back and your support,” she declared, shaping a legacy of support in the face of unspeakable sorrow.
