On April 28, 2012, I'll 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'll be joining thousands of people at skydive centers across the country who will take to the sky and jump, to raise awareness and money for sexual assault. I plan to jump from a perfectly good airplane at an altitude of at least 10,500 feet to raise awareness for this important issue.
I am currently interning with the Michigan State University Sexual Assault Program, and I can say that it has been a life changing experience. The opportunity to work with both survivors, committed volunteers, and the Greater Lansing Community has both humbled me and allowed me to grow as a person and a professional.
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. 1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted by the time they finish college. The only way to end the violence is to talk about it.
By participating in Operation Freefall, I'll be raising funds for Speaking Out About Rape (SOAR) and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) and The MSU Sexual Assault Program to help victims of sexual assault and sexual violence nationwide, and expand SOAR's programs to educate lawmakers, police officers, students and the media about sexual assault.
Right about now you’re probably saying, “You’re not a skydiver!” You’re right, but I don’t need to be. I’ll be making a tandem skydive. If you don’t believe I can do this, I will show you the DVD I will receive as a souvenir of my skydive. But first, I’ve agreed to raise $850.00 before April 1st, 2012 and I need your help to do it.
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. Of course, if you want to jump, too, let me know and I'll get you registration materials. You can also check out www.operationfreefall.com. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
With Love,
Melissa Crosby