Two days after they were set free, I promised Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight that I would give them 10 days of my life in honor of their 10 years of perseverance. To fulfill my promise, I walked over 240 miles across the entire state of Ohio in 10 days, working to raise awareness for the victims of sexual violence. I met Gina’s mom at the end of the walk; 2207 Seymour Ave, where the girls were held captive for over a decade.
I gave some t-shirts to Gina’s mom She promised that she would give them to Gina. I was sent this picture just two days after Ariel Castro was sentenced to life in prison, plus 1,000 years.
Gina, I hope you are doing well and I am glad to see that the shirt fits. I am even more thrilled to see that Ariel Castro will spend the rest of his life in prison. As you begin to build your new life, I hope you reach all of the new and exciting goals you set out to achieve. If any challenge becomes too great to face alone, please know that you have a friend down the street.
What are you committed to accomplishing? I will send 10 promise cards to you anywhere in the world at no cost. You can still donate to help the victims of sexual violence by visiting http://rainn.org/neverenough. Half of the money goes to the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and the other half goes directly to Gina, Amanda and Michelle. None of the money will come to because I said I would.
“You can pretend to care, but you can’t pretend to show up.”
Gina, michelle and amanda all you girls deserve but nothing but the best you are always on my mind god bless you all so happy you are home at last