Senate Resolution No. 545 honors Summer Willis for her significant advocacy work on behalf of survivors of sexual violence. After experiencing a traumatic event in 2014, where she was drugged and raped, Willis turned her pain into purpose by running 29 marathons to raise awareness and establish the nonprofit organization Strength Through Strides, which focuses on helping women heal through health and wellness. Her recent campaign, "The Last Time We Crawl," involved crawling 13.1 miles to symbolize the difficult healing journey of survivors, followed by running the second half of the marathon to represent triumph over trauma.
The resolution acknowledges the national impact of Willis's efforts, which have sparked conversations about sexual violence, inspired other survivors to share their stories, and raised funds for survivor assistance programs. Additionally, her advocacy has contributed to legislative reform aimed at redefining consent and enhancing protections for survivors. The Texas Senate expresses its high regard for Willis's dedication and leadership in creating a supportive environment for survivors, extending best wishes for her continued success in this vital work.