<div>Thank you for taking time and interest in learning more about the House of Ruth of Maryland, and why I am dedicating my upcoming 45-mile run on the W&amp;OD Trail to raise funds for this cause. The House of Ruth Maryland leads the fight to end violence against women and their children by providing victims with the services necessary to rebuild their lives safely and free of fear. House of Ruth Maryland is recognized as one of the nation’s most comprehensive domestic violence centers.
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<div>I wanted to share my personal connection with this cause, as it may resonate with your own experiences or those of someone close to you.  It took me many years to share this openly, due to the stigma surrounding domestic violence, and the perceived weakness, guilt, and shame that comes with it.  I'm Amy Adams, and many years ago, I was in a bad domestic situation and wish that I had found the help and services the House of Ruth provides.  For many years, I was in a very abusive marriage, fearing for the safety of my children and myself.  The abuser’s calculated deconstruction of the victim’s self-worth and the dismantling of their support network, including increased isolation, is part of the progression of domestic violence. This includes physical, emotional, and financial abuse and increasing control of the victim to the point that they cannot simply “just leave”.  I was this victim. This is why it is important to me to help women receive the support and resources required to leave a dangerous partner. 
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<div>The House of Ruth’s goal is to empower survivors of domestic violence to break the cycle of abuse and live independently, safely, and with dignity.  This organization provides domestic violence victims with a place to turn to for help.  These services include: a 24/7 confidential hotline, crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, legal referrals and representation, advocacy for victims and their families, basic needs assistance, resource referrals, and an on-site 84 bed emergency shelter for women and children in immediate danger. All funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign will directly support these services.  
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<div>On June 28, 2025, I am going on a self-supported run end-to-end on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail ---W&amp;OD Trail, as it is known --- from Shirlington area of Arlington County, Virginia to Purcellville, Virginia. This is a rail-to-trail paved path through Northern Virginia, traversing through Falls Church, Reston, Herndon, and Leesburg on the point-to-point journey to Purcellville, where it ends. Having grown up in the area around Purcellville, this is a very personal journey that I have wanted to complete for many years. I run a lot of ultramarathons, but on June 28, I am taking a pause from the race format and completing this journey instead. If anyone would like to offer monetary support, I ask that you do so by donating to House of Ruth of Maryland through this GoFundMe drive. No amount is too small, and all donations are routed directly to House of Ruth of Maryland. I dedicate my run across the entirety of the W&amp;OD Trail on June 28 to the House of Ruth and all women who are in need of the strength, resources, support, and love to start a new life free of domestic partner abuse. Please join me by supporting this life-changing charity. Thank you so much.
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Randy Becker

Anonymous

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Dalisia Coppersmith

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TIMOTHY EDWARDS

Pamela Unger

Sara Johnson

Art McDonald

Rickard Jason

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Alison Alexander

Jeffrey Harrison

Tom Nesterick

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W&OD Trail 45 Mile Run:  Help Women Escape Domestic Violence

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