Young woman trekking across America in South Mississippi - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Young woman trekking across America in South Mississippi

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By Michelle Lady - bio | email

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SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) -

At just 24-years-old Whitney Henderson is making the trek from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Anaheim, California on an inspiring mission to raise money for charity and also learn a little about herself.

Saturday she was along Highway 90 in Jackson County.

Henderson said, "Every minute I'm out there pounding the pavement I'm learning something more about myself and pushing myself farther."

But the 3 thousand mile run across America isn't for selfish reasons.

Henderson said, "I do have a philanthropist heart and I just want to help people."

Henderson is raising money for Charity:Water and Soles4Souls, which was founded after Katrina by a man who sent over a million pairs of shoes to the Gulf Coast.

"There is no way I could do this race without proper footwear and without clean drinking water and that just ties it all in for me," Henderson explained.

In addition to hopefully raising 40-thousand dollars for charity she will also be the youngest female to run across America. She began her journey on June 1st and has 800 miles under her feet.

"There's been signs along the road like this one lady just heard about me she said Whitney cold watermelon stop in," Henderson said.

"Barbara is literally biking with me my entire 30 something miles here today there are such good people out there."

Barbara Walker and her husband, who have opened up their house to Henderson for the night, found out about her journey on couchsurfing.com.

Walker said," I was totally impressed and just in aw and was like oh my gosh how is she doing this and I want to be a part of it."

And Walker admits that while she is helping Henderson, it's really Henderson helping her.

"I'm actually trying to look around in my world and see who I can help and improve their lives," Walker said.

"I think she wants to make this world a better place and she is doing everything in her power to make that happen."

Henderson said, "I have my water, a couple of changes of clothes and I carry protein bars basically and basic hygienic necessities. I got my second pair of shoes yesterday and I am feeling very strong."

If you would like to learn more about Whitney's journey or donate to her mission click here.

Also if you are looking for a little exercise Sunday Henderson says she would love the company, she'll be heading down Highway 90 in Gulfport around 6:30a.m.

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