On April 25, 2009, I'll be participating in the nation's boldest, highest-altitude, and most daring effort to put an end to sexual assault;  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 know you are saying, "You're not a skydiver!" You're right, but I don't need to be. I'll be making a tandem skydive with a United States Parachute Association licensed tandem master.

There have been moments of extreme trauma where all power was ripped from me in acts of violence... I WILL take that power back when I jump.

I have lived through depression, feelings of self worthlessness, isolation and paralyzing fear...I WILL be empowered when I jump.

I represent one out of every four women who have been raped, sexually assaulted and sexually abused; 86% of those women never find the courage to tell anyone... I WILL be their voice.

By participating in Operation Freefall, I'll be raising funds for Speaking Out About Rape (SOAR) and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) to help: " Maintain and expand the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (operated by RAINN) to ensure access to free, confidential counseling to victims of sexual assault, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. " Extend efforts to provide prevention, recovery, and prosecution information to tens of millions of people, across the country and in your community, each year. " Expand SOAR's programs to educate lawmakers, police officers, students and the media about sexual assault.

NOW I need your help! I've agreed to raise $600 before April 1st, and I need your help. Would you consider making a tax-deductible pledge to help me meet my goal?  (every bit helps)

I'll be skydiving from at least 10,500 feet. Believe me that looks a lot higher from a plane than it sounds! How much will you pledge for each foot jumped: *1/4-cent per foot: $26.40 *A nickel per foot: $528 *1/2-cent per foot: $52.80 *A dime per foot: $1,056 *A penny per foot: $105.60 *A quarter per foot: $2,640 *Two cents per foot: $211.20 *A dollar per foot: $10,560 .

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.

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.

Blue Skies, Marilyn