This year Dan and I made it a priority to be in Medina, Ohio for the 4th Annual Nate Vermote Run to Freedom. Four years ago Nathan, my stepson, joined his best friend, Kurtis Tolley, 
to bring awareness in an attempt to end human trafficking. Nathan’s passion was felt deep in his heart in his fight to stop this heinous crime. Sadly, two months after his first very successful marathon event Nathan took his own life. I’ve talked openly about Nate’s suicide in hopes the mark of devastation that is left for those that love Nathan will give people struggling with depression encouragement to seek help.
Because of Nathan’s passion to fight this trafficking war, the Medina County Coalition decided to rename the benefit walk to Nate Vermote Run To Freedom so Nate’s dream will live on with every step that crosses the finish line, every smile that is shared among the registered walk/runners, and in the smiles among all the volunteers, like Nathan’s mom and sister
. The proceeds go to help awareness and to help those rescued from this awful situation obtain the help needed to become emotionally/physically well again. Ohio has the highest human trafficking incidents in the country. Along with Nate and Kurtis’s dream to end this, I hope we can all join in the effort. It doesn’t matter if you walk, run, have four legs,
or if you are old or young …this benefit is for everyone.
As parents, we will do anything possible to keep our children safe, but this epidemic continues to be a problem. Anyone who has lost a child – there is no age limits to this crime – will attest to the pain and anguish they feel trying to get their child back. 
If they are lucky enough to see their child again it takes extreme counseling to undo the damage and that takes money. This event helps fund those needs. It takes a lot of work to put this event together, and a lot of people, but even at the end of a long morning you will see nothing but smiles. 
Dan and I hope to participate every year if we are able to be in the area. But if we can’t we will be there in our hearts – and I have no doubt Nathan is watching and is proud to be an inspiration to everyone in fighting this terrible crime. Thank you, Nathan and Kurtis, for starting this fight and letting us carry out your dream. Thank you Hermes Sports & Events for your hand in making this possible.
Information is key, so I hope parents will take some time to research and apply suggestions that may help keep their children safe.