Shangrila had a horrible past—she was sexually abused for 14 years as a child and was sexually assaulted at 24. She considered herself a living dead and was hopeless. She lost trust and hated everyone, including her loved ones. She was diagnosed with extreme depression, PTSD, and struggled with an eating disorder for 10 years. She was also abusing alcohol; she didn’t care about her life, health, finances, or safety. She used all of these to numb herself from the painful emotions and flashbacks that she wanted to escape from. That was her rock bottom.
She discovered triathlon and used it as a fuel to change and move forward from her past. She was a non-runner, non-cyclist, and non-swimmer at 24 yet she became an inspirational athlete regardless. She trained hard, mastered it and aimed high. Now, Shangrila is looking to break a Guinness World Record by becoming the first woman to finish 34 ironmans in 34 days. Everyday she will be swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running a full marathon (26.2 miles). 
In the middle of a global health crisis when people are dealing with unprecedented mental and financial challenges. When positivity, motivation and hope is at a low supply and depression, overwhelm and uncertainty prevail, we need people that can stand up and be examples of something extraordinary, something so positive that it inspires and starts a change reaction and increases people's willingness to act and make a difference. Shangrila is dedicating this project to empowering and inspiring women, children who have experienced abuse, and individuals struggling with PTSD. She is honored to bring awareness and raise funds for nonprofits making a difference, including Downtown Women’s Center!

We are fundraising for the Downtown Women’s Center because we believe in their Housing First and trauma-informed service model that not only provides housing and support services but also employment training, health and wellness services, and much more. Please consider donating to Downtown Women’s Center and helping empower and serve women across Los Angeles.
 

The Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) is the only organization in Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women. DWC envisions a Los Angeles with every woman housed and on a path to personal stability. Its mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, and advocacy. Founded in 1978, DWC was the first permanent supportive housing provider for women in the U.S. Learn more at www.DowntownWomensCenter.org.
 

Together we can make a difference! 

Let’s all take action and contribute to someone else in a way that matters today.

Thank you!!!