"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

                                                 - Nelson Mandela

The daughter of a powerful Tribal Chief and Head Doctor to the ex-President of Somalia,  Layla Sheikh was just ten years old when civil war broke out in Mogadishu.  She and her family were suddenly forced - running - for their lives.  For several years, they outran bloodshed and genocide nearly dying of malaria and starvation.  What she witnessed no human being should ever have to see. Dead bodies littered the ground for miles and lions feasted on the dying and the dead.  When she struggled under the weight of malnutrition and just wanted to give up, it was the love of her family and her will to survive that kept her alive.  

Her feet, literally, saved her life. 

For an entire year, she lived alone in the bush and buried herself in a hole every night for protection against wild hyena and militiamen. Surviving only on tree sap and wild berries, she used the stars as her guides and, miraculously, she made it to a UN sponsored refugee camp in Kenya where she eventually became a teacher. Once there, she witnessed more violence and rape. Speaking out against the abuse, the school at the camp was investigated and shut down, but not before Layla was arrested. Once released, she journeyed countless times through enemy territory until she finally achieved asylum in the United States.

Now, Layla Sheikh runs to bring peace to herself and awareness to the plight of her people.  Somali war refugee, peace activist, and long distance runner, Layla Sheikh runs with the hope that she may one day reunite with her family and contribute to the educational and economic growth of Somalia.

For over eighteen years, Somalia has been the only country in the world without a functioning government. 
It is time to stand up and speak out for the innocent women, children, and elders still suffering at the hands of lawlessness, extremism, and chaos.

Visit the link below to reunite Somali families torn apart by war.

https://www.wishingwellgiving.com/node/252

Through events, creative collaborations, and community outreach, Layla Sheikh and her team are dedicated to bringing freedom to the innocent women, children, and families affected by civil war in Somalia.