ST. LOUIS — Purina recently honored television personality, bestselling author and podcast host Paige DeSorbo with the 2026 Variety Courage Award at Variety’s Power of Women event in Beverly Hills on Sept. 23.

Presented the award by actress, model, entrepreneur and friend of DeSorbo’s, Molly Sims, DeSorbo was recognized for her courage in speaking publicly about surviving an abusive relationship and using her platform to help others feel less alone. In presenting the award, Sims praised DeSorbo for turning a deeply personal experience into a source of connection and hope for others.

“Paige intuitively knows that when we use our platforms and voices to champion one another, we all benefit,” Sims said. “That instinct was part of what moved Paige to share experience of surviving an abusive relationship. She told her story not to get attention, but to direct attention to an issue too many women experience in silence... There is real power in making someone feel less alone.”

Actress Molly Sims presented Paige DeSorbo with the award. 

She also reflected on DeSorbo’s close bond with her cat, Daphne, and noted how the love and sense of safety pets provide underscores the importance of helping survivors and their pets escape and heal together.

“When you’ve been through something that changes your understanding of what safety feels like, the little things that make you feel safe again can mean everything. For me, one of those things is my relationship with my cat,” DeSorbo said in her remarks. “No one should have to choose between their own safety and the pet who has helped them feel safe, loved and less alone.”

That connection is at the heart of the Purple Leash Project, a partnership between Purina and nonprofit RedRover that supports domestic violence shelters in creating pet-friendly spaces for survivors seeking safety with their pets. According to Purina, the need is significant, as nearly half (48%) of domestic abuse survivors report delaying their decision to leave because they cannot take their pets with them, and only 20% of domestic violence shelters nationwide currently accept pets.

This fall, Purina is making a donation to RedRover up to $500,000 to help expand access to pet-friendly spaces for domestic abuse survivors and the pets they love.

“Paige’s decision to share her story is an extraordinary act of courage, one that can help people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse feel seen and less alone,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, chief executive officer of Purina. “Her bond with Daphne is also a meaningful reminder of the comfort, connection and sense of safety pets can bring as people heal from trauma. We are proud to honor Paige and to continue working through the Purple Leash Project to help create more safe spaces where survivors and the pets they love can escape and heal together.”

The Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina, celebrates women making an impact across entertainment, culture and their communities. As the third recipient of the award, DeSorbo joins Sarah Hyland and Aly Raisman, who were previously recognized for their advocacy for abuse survivors.

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