“Jeffery will always struggle to catch up with others his age, but I will be right here pushing him to be all he can be. Jeffery is the best of us all and deserves the world.”
‘Jeffery was where he belonged and I wouldn’t give him up for anything. He’ll never be hurt by anyone ever again.’: Widow finalizes adoption of nephew with Shaken Baby Syndrome
‘They didn’t stay because he was ‘lifeless,’ leaving Jeffery with the nurses and machines for company. I knew I had to be there for him.’: Aunt details caring for Shaken Baby Syndrome survivor
“The second we got off the elevator my heart dropped to my feet. I wasn’t ready for what I was about to see. We walked only a few hundred feet but it seemed like miles. I remember the smell of saline and alcohol as if I was there. The beeping and the sounds of the machines working to keep my nephew alive still haunt my dreams.”
‘Life was fun until my mother passed away. Suddenly, at 11, I had to care for my 4 younger siblings.’: Abuse survivor shares foster care experience, POTS diagnosis
“I received my 11th concussion playing volleyball. Previously, I had 10 concussions from child abuse. My comorbidities and symptoms increased to the point I had to take mandatory bed rest.”
‘I spent 50% of my life in active addiction.’: Young woman recounts journey to sobriety after years-long battle with addiction
“Even if this reaches one person, and they decide to face their demons and feel their feelings over becoming numb, all because I could show them it is possible, then my life purpose has been filled.”
‘My husband said, ‘Here’s a little money, you have to leave and find yourself.’ My addiction was killing the joy in everyone around me, even my kids.’: Mom of 3 shares powerful journey to sobriety
“I was introduced to heroin. Heroin invited meth, meth invited fentanyl, and pretty soon, it was just one big, drugged out party of hell. I was sleeping in abandoned houses, porches, outdoor elevators, dumpster enclosures, and sidewalks. I had boils all over my arms and legs, and the wound on my back was highly infected. I smelled like death.”
‘Deep within, I knew this could not be my forever. I had to get out. If not for me, then for my son’s sake.’: Domestic violence survivor shares journey from abuse to fierce self-love
“I witnessed my parents’ arguments and physical fights. As a child, I remember thinking, ‘Why would anyone get into relationships if this is what happens?’ I promised myself I’d never personally experience this. How wrong I was!”
‘6 years old, she showed up at my house in the pouring rain and blurted out, ‘They said they don’t want me anymore. You can have me.’: Mom of 6 shares emotional adoption journey
“I was 24 years old, single, living in a different country, and already had two children. But I knew in my gut Michaelle staying with me was the right thing. After a few months, she scooted over in her bed and said, ‘Look, mom, we have room for one more.’ I nearly choked, but I couldn’t deny I felt the same tug in my spirit. Little did I know, she had a sister.”
‘Foster care was never a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’: Former foster youth overcomes trauma to offer a home to kids in need
“Eight people turned my childhood into a living hell, but now, eight kids have found safety within the walls of my home.”
Dear Husband: Thank You For Being The Loving Father You Never Had
“I’ve seen him take all this deep hurt that’s been brewing inside of him for years and turn it into love.”
Young Widow By Suicide Loss Addresses Importance Of Compassionate, Relevant Mental Health Screenings
“Instead of feeling supported in disclosing my mental health history, I felt defensive. Called out by the form. Turned off by its questions. Ashamed.”