SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio woman and ultra-marathoner made it her mission to honor Robb shooting victims by running 70 miles to Uvalde—a mission that has now been completed, to a chorus of honks and cheers at Uvalde Town Square.
On Wednesday evening, Paloma Gonzalez set out from her home near Loop 1604 and Marbach to run all the way to the Uvalde. She made the journey in honor of the victims of the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting tragedy.
“I want to keep their memory alive. I am planning on running from my house to their home in Uvalde, which I’m calculating is about 70 miles,” Gonzalez told KENS 5 before lacing up.
Apart from being a runner, Gonzalez is a nurse at a San Antonio Children's Hospital. When the tragedy unfolded, she says, she was at work and thought about her daughter Natalie, who was the same age as some of the victims.
She also thought about the Uvalde parents who were at work and never able to see their children alive again.
“It really hit way too close to home for me,” said Gonzalez.
Paloma set out on her 70-mile journey at 6 p.m. Thursday. She wasn't alone as a support team was with her the whole way.
“They're going to be behind me in a vehicle, so that way they'll ensure my safety."
Gonzalez also sought to make a difference for a student's education, so she created a GoFundMe with all the proceeds benefiting a scholarship. She selected Caden Smith, who is on the football field this year, wore jersey number 21 and accepted the check Friday.
Gonzalez said every step to Uvalde was for the victims and their families.
"We are with them. We may not know exactly how they're feeling, but they do have our support."
Less than 24 hours after Gonzalez left on her journey, she arrived in Uvalde. The first thing she did upon arrival was hand Caden a $1,000 scholarship check, along with thanking the community who rallied behind her as she honored the victims of that tragic day, just two years ago.
"I wanted to do something for the community and I feel like you guys have given me way more than I could give you, " said Gonzalez. "I truly did not expect this. I thought I was coming here to do something nice, but you guys really taught me what a real community is.
She ended with a message for the families affected by the shooting at Robb Elementary, explaining why she decided to go on this 70-mile journey.
"I wanted you to know that... you went through the most horrible thing, but you don't have to go through it alone because you have other communities that have your back and your support."
If you would like to donate to Gonzalez's GoFundMe, you can click here.