A state wide effort to raise awareness of childhood sexual abuse made its way through Ocala Tuesday.

About 75 people took part in the 3rd annual "Lauren's Walk In My Shoes" event.

The 1500 mile journey started in Key West in mid-January and will continue to Tallahassee to promote changes in state laws to better protect children.

The organizer of the event, Lauren Book, says she was sexually abused by her Nanny for six years starting at age 11.  Book said part of her recovery is helping others.

Abuse Survivor Lauren Book said, "I feel that there are some things that went wrong in my life but I know that I can prevent that for other children.  So that's what its about, it about showing survivors they can make a difference, they can get better, that they can become thriving survivors, and preventing it from happening in the first place."

The walk will go through Gainesville with an event Wednesday starting on UF campus at 9AM.