This note is from our classmate Becky Clark. Please take a moment to read this and consider helping her reach her goal. When you read her story it should be easy to do.

IMAGINE 

Children playing, laughing, singing

Running around the playground

Giggling with friends

Climbing trees, chasing butterflies  

IMAGINE

Some of these children crying, hurting, suffering

Not able to tell

Not able to speak

Abused and traumatized

IMAGINE

A safe and warm place

Where children are safe

Families are strong

Victims become children again 

IMAGINE

YOU making a difference so that these victims of child abuse heal

 Come, go the distance with me for these children. I am running the original marathon in Athens, Greece on November 8. It’s one thing to run 26.2 miles but to travel to a faraway ancient land to run!? Whoa! I am inspired because I am running on behalf of the children for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center (Memphis CAC).  

As a child growing up in Memphis, I began running at an early age. I ran to escape my abuser.   There were no safe havens like Memphis CAC or laws to help me or my siblings back then.   I harbored a horrifying secret and feared for my life.   “Don’t tell or else…” were daily threats.  Doctors suspect that repeated blows to the head caused my deafness and vision problems. To hide my shame I told people that I had been 'deaf since birth' . 

I was courageous enough to tell someone this secret when I was older but nothing was done. I told someone else…and a few more people. But no one believed me or they looked the other way, too scared to get involved. Running and sports helped me to endure. My twin brother killed himself but in my heart, I deeply believe that child abuse was the bullet that killed him. Such a terrible price to pay!

Although I left Memphis not long after my twin’s death so many years ago, I continued to hope that someday abused kids like me would have a safe place to go and people who believe and help them.   I no longer have to imagine. 

The Memphis Child Advocacy Center opened their doors in 1992. They serve children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse through prevention, education and intervention. I run to help Memphis CAC and in doing so, it allows me to come back home at last and make a difference in the lives of abused children, children like Ronnie and me.

   I run to help Memphis CAC continue serving these children.  I run to honor my twin, Ronnie. I run to honor abused kids and     

survivors. I run to honor people like YOU. 

 Similar to the Athenian messenger, Phidippides, who ran 24 miles from the Greek village of Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of the Greeks stunning victory over the Persian army, I will run along the same route (plus the additional 2.2 miles added to make modern marathon distance) carrying the message of the stunning victory over child abuse. 

 I am committed to the physical training in getting to the finish line in the Athens Olympic Stadium just as I am passionately committed to reaching my fundraising goal. Nobody says it will be easy.   I need your help today. Please take a moment right now to honor a child by sponsoring me for $25, $50, $100 or more on behalf of Memphis CAC at www.firstgiving.com/beckyclark Any donation that you can give is appreciated! Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Together we are the winning team – and don’t forget to forward this newsletter to anyone who you think might want to join us!

 In gratitude, 

Becky

www.firstgiving.com/beckyclark

P.S. I am also seeking a travel sponsor(s) to help defray my travel expenses. For more information, please e-mail me at

bclarkphd1@gmail.com or contact:

Beryl Wight - Community Relations Associate

Memphis Child Advocacy Center

(901) 888-4369 direct

(901) 412-5385 cell

bwight@memphiscac.org