From Survivor to Speaker: My Journey Through 16 Years of Childhood Trauma and Beyond

I am a survivor of nearly 16 years of childhood trauma, neglect and sexual abuse. 

I grew up in a single mother household. My father spent most of my life in prison. With a single mother and three kids, we spent a lot of time bouncing around different houses and babysitters. 

Around age 5, I was molested by a babysitter’s teenage son. This only happened a few times, but it would set the stage for more abuse later in life. 

Around 10 years old, my mother became addicted to crack and cocaine and became very abusive towards my sisters and me. 

Because of this, I found “love” outside of the home in a friend in his 30s. He was truly my “best friend,” at least I thought he was. 

This man began to sexually abuse me for the next six years of my life until I eventually reported him and he was sent to prison for the rest of his life. 

After nearly 16 years of trauma, I finally moved on with my life. Today, I am a combat veteran, national award-winning professional, motivational speaker, author, husband, and father, among many other accolades like ultra runner, Jiu Jitsu athlete, and activist. 

I share my story all around the country today to help others find their path to hope and healing. I want others to know that they’re not alone and that there is a beautiful side to life despite whatever tragedy they may have endured.