“This is New York. I see it as a sign that we are probably doing something good,” — Carlo Conchazea, participant
The east-to-west leg of the annual A-Cross America Relay for Pro-Life took its first steps on Saturday morning, September 6, as part of its nationwide initiative to call attention to the plight of the unborn.
Organized by Papillion, Nebraska-based LIFE Runners, participants met at 10 a.m. in front of the ParkMed NYC abortion clinic, where they prayed for about 30 minutes for the end of abortion. They then began a 90-minute, 2.7-mile kickoff walk toward Father Duffy Square in Times Square, via Sixth Avenue onto West 42nd Street. They walked with white-on-blue “REMEMBER The Unborn” banners and placards.
Each participant is asked to run or walk five kilometers (3.1 miles) as their commitment to the effort, along with fundraising for the Support After Abortion helpline.
This year’s New York City leg began with six participants, Carlo Conchazea told The Good Newsroom by email. On its way to Father Duffy Square, the group was disparaged, but not disheartened, by pro-abortion advocates.
“I was not discouraged. I am part of the monthly Witness for Life; I see them all the time, and I have been harassed many times. This is New York. I see it as a sign that we are probably doing something good,” Conchazea said.
The A-Cross America Relay for Life began in 2013 and is described by organizers as “the largest spanning Pro-Life event in the world, 5,359 miles (including other countries).” Kickoff cities (September 5-20) also include San Francisco, California, Austin, Texas, and Fargo, North Dakota. This year, the relay will end on October 25 in Overland Park, Kansas. When the four routes are completed, they form a cross, hence the name, A-Cross America.
Through the Support After Abortion Line, the organization connects those seeking healing with those who provide healing. Through webinars, clinical meetings, conference training, an online learning platform, curriculum, and resources, it equips leaders, counselors, clinicians, and other abortion healing providers to support those impacted by abortion.
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Armando Machado contributed to this report.