Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were imprisoned and sexually abused for over 10 years. Two days after they were freed, Alex Sheen, founder of because I said I would, promised these women that he would give them 10 days of his life to serve in acts of kindness in their honor. To keep this promise, Alex will walk 240 miles across the state of Ohio in ten days working to raise awareness for the victims of sexual violence. But no matter how many miles he walks, it will never be enough to make up for what has been taken from these women.
“Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” – Gandhi
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Alex’s Route
View Never Enough: A Promise to Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight in a larger map
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does this walk benefit Amanda, Gina, and Michelle?
We encourage people to donate to the Cleveland Courage Fund (a trust fund that directly benefits these women) and to RAINN (the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization). Beyond financial contributions, Alex hopes that these women get joy out of seeing acts of kindness that were performed in honor of their perseverance.
2. Are Amanda, Gina, and Michelle directly involved with this event?
No. Alex contacted their spokesperson about his promise to them, but received no reply. This is quite alright, as these women need time and space to heal. Because I said I would has no interest in harassing these women with requests. Their time is best spent healing and enjoying life, not responding to messages from strangers or the media.
3. What do random acts of kindness have to do with sexual violence?
There is nothing we can do to reverse an act of sexual violence. Since we cannot reverse these acts, we bring kindness and hope in the world in other ways in their honor. Our hope is to show victims of sexual violence that there are people who care for them, while raising awareness to this very important issue.
4. Will any of the funds raised go towards because I said I would?
No. Because I said I would is making a specific request that people do not donate to our organization in the name of this project. Those donations should be directed to The Cleveland Courage Fund and RAINN.
5. Why did Alex decide to make this promise?
Amanda, Gina and Michelle were freed on Alex’s birthday. This is a day of deep reflection for him. He imagined what it would be like if someone took away his last 10 birthdays. Sickened by the acts of their captor, Alex decided that he needed to put some good back into the world to replace what had been taken.
6. Where will Alex sleep?
In a vehicle by the side of the road.
7. Where are his stops?
We aren’t sure. Alex will walk as much as he can each day, but will require rest. Some days he will walk longer than others.
8. Does Alex have experience in long distance walks?
No. Alex has never attempted anything that even resembles this effort. He ran a community 5k once. That’s about it.
9. How do I join the walk?
Alex’s location will be tweeted every 30 minutes through @bcisaidiwould. There is no registration or sponsored miles. Just find him and start walking. You may join for as long or as short as you wish. There will be no police escorts, so you walk at your own risk. Please do not confuse this as some sort of organized event. It’s just a guy walking down the street. If you type “Cincinnati to Cleveland” into Google Maps with the Walking directions, you’ll have 98% of the route. It’s basically US42 the entire way.
10. Where is the midpoint speech taking place at?
We don’t know yet. If we can’t find a venue along the way, Alex might just speak in a parking lot.