First Lady’s remarkable journey shows children they have a friend

The Tennessean

Tennessee’s first lady Andrea Conte doesn’t have to prove her endurance or advocacy on behalf of crime victims, but a walk across the state will call attention to both.

Conte, the wife of Gov. Phil Bredesen, launched her 600-mile trek across the state on behalf of child victims of sexual or severe physical abuse last week. She’s set a goal to raise $1 million on behalf of the state’s 25 child advocacy centers.

She’s relentless in advocating on behalf of crime victims, herself a victim a kidnapping here in Nashville in 1988. Conte was able to flee her attacker, but she knows that some victims, particularly children, can’t escape.

The 25 Child Advocacy Centers in the state seek to minimize the impact of abuse on those least able to fight back. Using private and public dollars, the centers help bring together law enforcement, counselors and prosecutors, so children don’t have to repeat their story.

Conte’s walks, which will be 10-15 miles a day two or three days a week, will include visits to the advocacy centers across the state.

The trek is a great way to raise money, but Conte stands as an excellent example of perseverance for children facing difficult times ahead. The journey across the state shows them they don’t have to walk through their difficulties alone.