Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2458

Tonight's special guest is Deanna Culver from Appleton, Wisconsin, a survivor of child abuse and neglect, as well as a photographer/artist, writer, actor, producer, and director. She grew up in a few foster homes and then returned to her biological parents; however, her mother was addicted to prescription medications. Deanna relates, “I grew up mentally, emotionally, and physically abused. I was told I was ugly, useless, worthless, wished I was dead, and so much more horrific things. I definitely had a hard time trying to figure out where I belonged in this world. I attempted suicide a few times in my life and have dealt with a lot of hardships. I used to get bullied in school, harassed in the workforce, and have had to manage silently. It hasn't been easy; however, I've fought hard to break the stigmas and statistics surrounding mental illness, child abuse, neglect, teen parenting, domestic violence, addiction, and homelessness, etc. I'm definitely not perfect and never pretend to be; however, I try to be the best me I can be at any moment in time with a great deal of work and dedication to survive and thrive, especially for the sake of my 3 daughters and grandchildren.” Deanna writes poetry and has published a book, ‘Open Boxed Poetry’. She is also an inspirational/ motivational speaker for the life experiences she has been through. She closes with, “My saying is ‘Your Courage is Your Strength & Your Strength is Your Courage’ because it's tough each day without both.”