From Abused Child to Passionate Advocate: One Man’s Mission to Help Abused Children

Michael McLaughlin, who you might remember from Family Resource Center’s video Michael’s Story, has launched Hike4Kids to raise awareness and money for abused children. We’re asking you to support this special endeavor.

This March, Michael is embarking on a 2,500-mile, six-month journey as he attempts to become the first person ever to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and the Ozark Trail back-to-back. The purpose of Michael’s hike is to help children who have been abused, discarded, or ignored. Michael’s passion for service stems from a childhood of abuse that left him emotionally and physically scarred – but determined to not let his abuse define his character or his life.

Michael is pairing up with fellow Washington University student Brooke James, who spent four years in Africa building schools for neglected blind children, and who is blind herself.

Aware of the need to “think globally, act locally,” Michael and Brooke hope to raise awareness at home and abroad. All donations received will be split equally between Family Resource Center and The School for the Blind in Mokolo, Africa.

Want to learn more? Watch this KSDK news story or visit the website at Hike4Kids. You can also make a donation here.

Thank you for supporting Michael, and through him, abused and neglected kids. Together, we will give abused kids a chance at a better life.