Most of you know that I was a victim of home invasion and rape last April. I now know first hand how difficult it is for survivors and how much help is needed to change how society views sexual assault victims. It would be so meaningful for me to do something to help this cause and do something as empowering as skydiving close to the anniversary of my attack. But first, I’ve agreed to raise $5,000 before March 15, 2010, and I need your help to do it. I've increased the amount so that I can have a team, which allows me to donate 10% of the teams pledges to a charity of our choice. I am in awe of the support that I have received so far and I want to thank everyone who has donated money or discussed this topic! My friend Alexis is also raising money and joining my team - her strength and bravery is an inspiration to me. Please check out her page and donate - http://www.firstgiving.com/alexispierce.

On April 24, 2010, I will be participating in the nation's boldest, highest-altitude, and most daring effort to put an end to sexual assault. It's called Operation Freefall: The Two-Mile High Stand Against Sexual Assault®.

I will join thousands of people at drop zones across the country who will take to the sky and jump. Their goal: to raise funds to help survivors throughout the healing process and increase awareness about sexual assault.

The FBI categorizes rape as the second most violent crime a person can experience, second only to murder. To put it another way, it’s the most violent and traumatic crime any victim lives to remember. Every two minutes, another American is sexually assaulted. It is the most under-reported of all crimes in the United States.

Operation Freefall is the only event of its kind to increase awareness of sexual violence. The event is held simultaneously across the country the last Saturday of each April. In the past nine years Operation Freefall has raised over $1,000,000 with nearly two-thirds of that going back to local community organizations to:

 

• Enhance local support and outreach services for survivors of sexual violence.

   

• Provide recovery, risk-reduction, and prosecution information to tens of millions of people, including many in your local community, each year.

   

• Help victims of sexual violence through the healing process.

   

• Educate lawmakers, police officers, students, the public, and the media about sexual assault.
  
  The effects of sexual violence affect all of us. That is why I’ve committed myself to this event. I hope you’ll share in this incredible adventure by supporting me in my fundraising efforts. Special thank you to Amy for convincing me to aim higher (and helping me do it!). 
  
  Blue Skies!