Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2326

Tonight's special guest is Christina Marie from Doniphan, Missouri, a former foster child who is a survivor of sexual and physical abuse. By age 2, Christina had suffered 2 skull fractures, and was so malnourished she couldn't keep food down. The sexual, physical, and mental abuse, along with neglect and starvation, she endured from her birth parents sent Christina into an “emotional coma.” She entered the foster care system at a young age and went in and out of many homes. Most homes returned her after 2 weeks, because they couldn't deal with all the issues stemming from the trauma. She also lived in a few foster homes that weren't any better than her birth parents' home. Christina relates, “I always felt rejected, abandoned and wondered why no one wanted to love me. If I would ever find a place I truly belonged.” At age 12, Christina's life changed dramatically when she was placed in Ellen's home. Christina says, “In Ellen, an Angel in disguise, God sent me a heavenly mother. She changed my life. She loved me like no one else did and taught me everything I needed to know. I am who I am today because of her.” Christina became a mom, got her GED, went to college, and made herself into who she wanted to be. She still has CPTSD, OCD, anxiety, social anxiety and depression, but that doesn't stop her. As Christina states, “My big objective when I was young was to use my story and my experiences to help others feel loved, accepted and acknowledged. I wanted to give others hope and faith, and show them they can love themselves despite where they came from, what they experienced and the issues they faced from trauma. When I turned 32, I finally came to love and accept myself. I lifted my head up high, and started .. I made it! I'm not a victim anymore. I'm a survivor! I'm a thriver!"