Thomas works for Stories Foundation. It’s a non-profit based in Anoka that fights human trafficking
“It’s a huge industry,” said Thomas. “It’s $150 billion a year worldwide. It’s the fastest growing criminal industry in the world.”
The money she raises will help Stories Foundation with its next big project.
“Right now a big piece of what we’re doing is looking to build a big give back cafe in Ramsey. It’s going to be called Storyteller Café,” said Thomas “That building will be a place where we can offer jobs and job training for survivors. There’ll be apartments up above the café to offer housing.”
So, she’ll run her marathon from Lino Lakes to future site of the Storyteller Café in Ramsey.
“I just feel like there’s something really impactful about me running through each city that we want to impact and just kind of being there physically,” said Thomas.
“I love running, but 26 miles is still hard. It’s something uncomfortable. Many of these people these individuals that we want to help and serve are uncomfortable every single day, so I’m willing to get uncomfortable for one day to help bring healing and freedom to them.”
She has complete eight marathons in the past, and now is busy training for her upcoming run and fundraising.
“This one is probably going to be my most meaningful, most impactful, marathon that I’ve ever done. Because it’s doing something that I’m super passionate about. It’s with an organization that I love and I’m super passionate about. So although it’ll be very different – a very different dynamic – I think this will by far be my favorite marathon that I’ve done.”
