Transcript:
LaRonda: Look! It’s Marlee Matlin.
Julie: This year, we have another strong woman, a leader who found the strength to tell her story as a survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence. She just opened herself up and gave us a common thread, someone we could identify with. We are now able to talk at a more deeper level and say,
“Her too? This woman too? This means I’m not the only one. I’m okay. She’s shot up to become a success! She was on Dancing with Stars! Just look at all of her successes. She is a thriver! If she can become a thriver, so can I!”
So, I would like to bring up this woman who has inspired all of us to become thrivers, not just survivors. Once victims, we changed to survivors, Yet, now, we know we are more than that. We are evolving into thrivers. We can pursue anything. Anything is possible. We can achieve our dreams no matter what has happened in our past.
So lets give a warm welcome to this year’s Trailblazer Award recipient, 2009, Marlee Matlin.
Julie to Marlee: This is the Trailblazer Award. Congratulations. We’re very proud of your courage and your wisdom and your openness as well. Thank you for being our leader.
LaRonda: Hello. I’m here at the Deaf-Hope Tea Party, and wow, it’s been a wonderful day! A sweaty-hot day, but very inspirational! There were three very important and special people here to support the goal to put a stop to Domestic Violence: 1) Bobbie Beth Scoggins, the president of NAD (National Association of the Deaf), 2) Kambri Crews, who has a Deaf father and mother. She is a wonderful writer who tells beautiful and moving stories. She shared with us some of her profound experiences with domestic violence, 3) Marlee Matlin, who also shared her own experiences of domestic violence, and who fully supports this cause.
Yet, I want you to know, these three people were not the only important people here today. There are many voices still out there who want to put an end to domestic violence. Take a look….
Kambri: ….For 20 years! Why me? Why? Why? Why Me?
The Crowd:
Stop!
Finish!
End domestic violence!
No more!
End!
Enough!
Stop!
So great to meet you in person finally! Thank you for such a great video of the event. It’s really fabulous as are you! xokc
Left by Kambri Crews on September 27th, 2009
Kudos for job well done on the video!
proud, proud!
Left by Roberto on September 27th, 2009
Thanks Kambri. It was a true pleasure to meet you. I was a bit star struck as you know. I’m one of your biggest fans. Love your blog and look forward to your book! Thanks for speaking out and making a difference in this world!
Hugs.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on September 27th, 2009
Thanks Roberto. I worked long and hard on this vid, and hope I did the event justice. I am proud.
Hugs.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on September 27th, 2009
Beautiful - Great video clip LaRonda! October is the Domestic Violence Awareness month - Perfect timing as October is near and we must continue to raise the awareness. Stop the violence!
Left by Jennifer on September 27th, 2009
Deaf Hope where one state? Very interesting and thought all states’ Association for the Deaf should have organization like that because I believe many deaf are victims or might have murdered.
Left by debby on September 28th, 2009
Hi Debby.
Deaf-Hope is located in California. It’s office is in Oakland. There is another organization called ADWAS in Seattle, which is the original DV agency for Deaf. Check them out.
http://www.deaf-hope.org
http://www.adwas.org
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on September 28th, 2009
Thanks Jennifer. I forgot October is DV awareness month. Good to know.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on September 28th, 2009
Beautifully done video! Such a distinguished panel of speakers! I wish I could have been there and hope there will be a summary of the symposium presentations someday. You go, girl!
Left by Dianrez on September 28th, 2009
Hi LaRonda,
Well done with this article and videotape clips of yours. Looks like a lot of you really had a good time.
I would like to extend my congratulations to the Deaf Hope for making this event possible and successful. Plus my biggest congratulations to Marlee Matlin who recieved the 2009 Trailblazer award. Yes, that makes sense for her to get the award as she just stepped out with her book as a survivor of sexual violence and etc.(learned about this not long ago and need to get the book to read it )
God be with you and the Deaf Hope folks.
Cheers,
Katrina
Phil. 4:13
Left by Katrina Mansell on September 28th, 2009
LaRonda, Beautiful job on how you put together this video of the Tea Party! You are such a Pro! It was the first Tea Party I have missed, due to having to attend an memorial service. Once again, Julie does us proud! I am thrilled that Marlee was honored, she deserves this recognition.
Congratulations Deaf Hope!
Onward we march to STOP the violence!
Pay it forward.
xo
Left by Sheri A. Farinha on September 28th, 2009
I wonder if there are other more progressive organizations that actually (including in naming of an organization) addressing domestic violence that happens to not only females and their children but also male adults (regardless of sexual orientation)? This was brought up on DeafDC.com and a fair number acknowledged the apparent lack of diversity (gender and ethnicity just to name two of more) within increasingly broadening spectrum of deaf domestic violence issues.
Left by Robert Alfred Hawkins on September 28th, 2009
Very powerful, LaRonda! You did an amazing job capturing the spirit of the afternoon and enabling it to continue. Awesome!
Left by Linda Drattell on September 29th, 2009
Hello Everyone … It was an incredible honor to be a part of this heart warming event. Much is to be done to deliver on eliminating domestic violence in the world. You can count on us here at Live at Choice; we are here for the term.
What you have done and what you will continue to do DeafHope is remarkable, thanks for the invitation to attend.
LaRonda, awesome job on this VBlog, thanks for sharing it.
Left by Belanie Dishong on September 29th, 2009
Along with Deaf Hope and ADWAS, there is also another organization in Denver that provides the DV/SA services.
Dove - Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Woman and Children
http://www.deafdove.org
I believe there are more agencies out all over the country. See resources under http://www.deafdove.org/
Denver needs a LaRonda to do the Vlog. Grin.
Jennifer
Dove Co-Founder
Past President
Left by Jennifer on September 30th, 2009