Abduction survivor to share story of resilience, hope
(Seguin) — The victim of one of the most famous child abduction cases of our time comes to TLU this week to share her personal story of despair, hope, triumph and empowerment.
Tracy Donley, TLU communications director, says residents are invited to mark Thursday, Feb. 27 on their calendars for a special evening presentation with Elizabeth Smart who was abducted as a teen in Salt Lake City.
Despite her unthinkable abuse, Donley says Smart is now able to share her story of despair.
“Back in 2002, she was 14 years old and she was abducted from her home right out of her bed at knifepoint and the captors threatened to kill her family if she tried to escape so she basically for 9 months was missing but her family never gave up.
They kept searching for her and finally, in March of 2003, they found her and she was rescued. What is so inspiring about her story is that she has turned that tragedy around and is now advocating for other victims and empowering other people and not just victims of abduction but people who faced adversity in general in life which is everyone,” said Donley.
Smart went on to establish the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which exists to drive social change in the fight against sexual violence. Smart also helped promote the National AMBER Alert program, the Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act, and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions.
She authored the bestselling book, My Story, in which she chronicles her experiences, as well as You’re Not Alone: The Journey from Abduction to Empowerment, a collaboration with other abduction survivors.
Most recently, Smart released Where There’s Hope, a powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma and to find strength to move forward and reclaim one’s life.
Elizabeth Smart’s free presentation to the community is made possible thanks to the Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Endowment Fund.
The event gets underway on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in TLU’s Jackson Auditorium.
Following Smart’s presentation, there will be a meet and greet plus book signing.