One Woman
Walking 450 Miles Across Nebraska
FOR NEBRASKA
09/2026
In September 2026, Army veteran, child abuse survivor, and mom of six, Kerry Chester, will be walking 450 miles across Nebraska.
Not just as a personal challenge — but to raise $50,000+ for scholarships and programs that support women in crisis, girls with big dreams, and female veterans rebuilding their futures.
And to spark a ripple effect that inspires local communities to do the same. Because our steps, no matter how small, can leave a lasting impact on others.
450
Total Miles
✦
15+
Days
✦
30
✦
Miles/Day
10+
✦
Towns/Cities
1
Purpose
Unite NE 450 is a 501 3(c) nonprofit organization.
EIN: 41-3570749
We believe the difference between a dream and a decision is just a simple question: “Why not?”
That question is the heartbeat of this movement.
It’s how women survive rooms that weren’t built for us and limits we never agreed to.
“Why not” reminds us that courage doesn’t wait for permission, and that you don’t need a perfect plan or perfect timing to take the first step.
It’s about choosing faith over fear, movement over hesitation, and possibility over doubt.
Bravery isn’t always loud for women. Most days, it’s a quiet, steady voice that shows up when no one’s watching — the one that says: Why not me? Why not now?
Where will the money go:
Women in crisis or hardship
Including those facing homelessness, trafficking, single parenthood, or other difficult circumstances.
Women veterans
Programs offering mental health resources, career development, and long-term community support.
Girls across Nebraska
Educational opportunities, grants, and leadership programs to inspire the next generation of strong, compassionate women.
Hi, I’m Kerry Chester
Army Veteran ✦ Mother of Six ✦ Behavioral Health Specialist ✦ Child Abuse Survivor
I come from a broken home, and statistically, the odds were against me from the start.
Child protective services were in my home constantly and I was one call away from foster care. At 14 years old, I was homeless.
And somewhere along the way, movement became my way of working through things — of finding clarity when everything else felt messy.
Athletics became my outlet, the one place where I could find strength and a sense of control over my future. Coaches became mentors. Teammates became family. Running drills and showing up to practice gave me a kind of focus and discipline I didn’t have anywhere else.
It also taught me that showing up matters more than being perfect.
That lesson carries me through life.
Later, after earning my Psychology degree and becoming a mom, I joined the U.S. Army as a Behavioral Health Specialist.
That’s where I really learned what resilience looks like up close, not the kind people talk about in quotes, but the kind you build one day, one decision at a time.
I worked with soldiers and families navigating the invisible wounds of service — the kind of pain you can’t always see, but that changes everything. It reminded me that healing doesn’t always happen when you sit still. Sometimes, you have to move through it.
But what inspires me most these days is my family. I’m a mother of six: four girls and two boys. My oldest daughter has Angelman syndrome, and my eldest son is currently serving in the Army. Every day, they remind me why strength, compassion, and perseverance matter.
“This journey is about uniting Nebraska, but it’s also about showing my children — and every young person watching — that when we walk with purpose, we can create real change.”
—KERRY CHESTER
Because courage is contagious, strength is a choice, and change is built through collective action.
And it all starts here.
With this walk. With your support.
Kerry might be the first documented female veteran to walk the full width of Nebraska.
But she can’t reach her goals alone.
She needs your help to carry the mission forward.
DONATE
Fund scholarships, veteran programs, and crisis support to help women & girls across Nebraska thrive.
SPONSOR
Support a stretch of the route or contribute in-kind gifts (lodging, meals, gear etc.)
VOLUNTEER
Help spread the word, cheer Kerry on from the sidelines, or assist with local events in your town.
This walk is meant to be seen. In schools.
On sidewalks. In headlines.
Help us spread the message. #FollowHerLead
Help us recognize the women who carry their communities!
Every 10 miles Kerry walks, she’ll be honoring one woman across the state whose leadership, resilience, and care often go unseen: veterans, mothers, caregivers, farmers, educators, mentors, and community builders.
450 miles | 45 stories that will carry the mission forward
“To every woman carrying invisible weight—in uniform or in life: I hope this reminds you that your strength is seen, your courage is contagious, and you still have miles of impact ahead.”
“To every girl who’s been told her dreams are too big: strength isn’t about never being scared — it’s about showing up anyway, one step at a time, even when the road throws obstacles in your way.”
Get in touch today!
Unite NE 450 is a 501 3(c) nonprofit organization. EIN: 41-3570749
Brand and web design by Medleythink Creative