Hello, my name is Sofia Galvan Rodriguez. I’m running the Houston Half Marathon with Vivian Arredondo in January of 2026 in support of Sandy Hook Promise. Sandy Hook Promise is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities, with a primary focus on protecting children from gun violence.

In participating in the Houston Half Marathon together, Vivian and I will run 26 miles with a goal of raising $2,600 to honor the 26 lives lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting on December 14, 2012. Preventing gun violence is very important to us, and we will honor those who have lost their lives or loved ones to it.

I initiated the Lamar High School chapter of a Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club in March of 2025, and have served as the President with Vivian as the Club Representative since then. In contributing to this youth-led initiative of Sandy Hook Promise, we pledge to create a safe, welcoming environment and are dedicated to promoting kindness, positivity, and leadership.

Sandy Hook Promise’s mission is also very important to me because I lost a family member to gun violence in October of 2025; he had just turned 23 years old. I often think about how the situation would’ve played out if a firearm hadn’t been involved, which is why I have chosen to honor his life and support Sandy Hook Promise with my participation in the Houston Half Marathon.

Every contribution, big or small, as well as sharing this fundraiser, makes a real impact and supports Sandy Hook Promise’s mission of preventing gun violence. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity; it means the world to us.