This April 4th, 2016 will mark fourteen years since I was brutally attacked. In my own home. In the middle of the day. By someone I thought I knew.  It was a day that changed my life in so many ways. For the better. I became stronger because I had too. Not so much for me, but for my son whom I adore. But yes, for me too. Had I not become stronger, I would’ve never broken the cycles of victimization. They would have broken me. So during my ordeal, I somehow found the inner strength to choose life over being victimized again. I chose to be a survivor. I am a survivor.

Through that whole painful process, I also found my voice.

I found a voice that could finally speak up for myself; a voice that was not afraid to call out the judge’s lopsided bias and gross misconduct of announcing my new address in open court; a voice that would not rest until heard, and ultimately had the judge removed from the bench; a voice that was passionately involved with the idea of a California constitutional amendment guaranteeing crime victims of their fair share of rights too, – aka Marsy’s Law; I found a voice that would later speak up on behalf of other crime victims not able to fend for themselves. And I found a cause that was worthy of all my God given talents, intellect, insights and past experiences.

My life is now dedicated to helping others who have also been victimized. It is my passion and purpose. And a blessing. My other blessing is to be surrounded by so many exceptional individuals – inspiring individuals who advise me, guide me, help me, refer me, donate to us, and otherwise propel our organization forward. They make the work possible,

Life should have meaning and joy and every once in a while … even celebration.

Please join me in a Celebration of Life. On April 4, 2016 I will go to the shooting range. I’m a huge advocate for gun safety. I believe in practice shooting to sharpen ones self-defense skills. I want to invite all my friends and loved ones. We will be raising funds to help those who have fallen prey to the criminal element in our society.

If you cannot make it, consider making a tax deductible donation to help support victims, survivors and families. www.crimesurvivors.org

Please join me in a Celebration of Life. Being able to own firearms in our country is a cherished right guaranteed under our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. With rights come responsibilities. Learning to use firearms properly and safely is the gun owner’s responsibility.  Please join me at the gun range and play your part.
It’s become a divisive political issue so I want to be clear: if you don’t own or carry a firearm, I wholeheartedly respect your decision not to do so. That is your right. By the same token, I wholeheartedly respect your tolerance and understanding of those who wish to keep and bear arms. After all, tolerance is what lubricates and helps a democracy flourish.

I will also be planning a lunch or dinner and I invite you to join me in a Celebration of Life!