Personal Plea from Linda Faulkner

During the past year, as hostess of Author Exchange Blog, I have refrained from using the blog as a forum for my personal thoughts, causes, news, etc. because this is my way of promoting other professionals in the publishing industry.  I did make one exception when my novel was nominated for an EPIC Award:  how could anyone have resisted announcing that all over the Internet?

I am, for the second time, using the blog for personal purposes - although not for personal gain.  My daughter is a hero:  during her first semester of college she was sexually assaulted and is now taking to the skies to help support rape victims and to raise awareness about sexual assault.  In her words, from an e-mail she sent to all the people she knows, here's an excerpt of her first "public" announcement about her situation and what she's doing to help others:

As some of you may how, I was the victim of a break-in and rape in October 1999.  The four-hour ordeal was the beginning of a long journey. I now know firsthand how difficult the healing process can be and understand how important it is to offer support and resources to survivors of sexual violence. One of my personal goals is to work towards changing how society views victims of sexual assault and to lessen the stigma associated with rape survivors.

Please help me raise awareness by sponsoring me in Operation Freefall. Thank you to those who have already shown support by donating or passing this message along. I can’t express my gratitude!   I’m raising money for Speaking Out About Rape, Inc.® (SOAR®) - please make a donation by visiting my Firstgiving page: http://www.firstgiving.com/laurieamurphy

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to Speaking Out About Rape, Inc.® (SOAR®) by Firstgiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.

Your support, either by donation or by passing this message along, will be greatly appreciated by so many people, including Laurie and me.  Click here to read Laurie's message on the Operation Freefall site.  Thank you.

- Linda Faulkner