5K Run for Holly

My Kappa Kappa Gamma Sisters at the University of Kentucky held their Spring Philanthropy event the 5K Run for Holly to raise funds for Holly's House! The race was organized by Chloe Ward and all the members of Kappa Kappa Gamma! 160 runners/walkers and $2500...the event was a HUGE success!

I hope they will do this event again next year! I think this could be and fundraiser that will grow and grow!

To read more news about this event, click [here], [here], or [here].

My Sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma

I was a UK Kappa when I was attacked in 1997. Each year, my sorority holds an event to raise money for Holly's House. This year the fabulous Philanthropy Chair, Chloe Ward, planned an awesome 5K in my honor.

Thursday, April 14, 2011, I got the opportunity to speak on the University of Kentucky campus! It was a terrific event and got everyone excited for the 5K Run for Holly on Sunday!

To learn more about Holly's House, click [here] or [here]

To find me on Facebook, click [here].

To watch my episode of 48 Hours Live to Tell, click [here].

To read my story in People Magazine, click [here].

Interview with Tracie Wells

How to Help a Loved One if they are raped

Published on RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (http://www.rainn.org)

Help a Loved One

There are many ways that you can help a friend or family member who has been a victim of rape or sexual violence:

• Listen. Be there. Don’t be judgmental.
• Be patient. Remember, it will take your loved one some time to deal with the crime.
• Help to empower your loved one. Rape and sexual violence are crimes that take away an individual’s power, it is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on your loved one to do things that he or she is not ready to do yet.
• If you are dealing with an issue involving your child, create a safe place by talking directly to them.
• If you are the non-abusing parent in a case of incest, it is important to support your child and help them through this situation without blaming them. This is also true if you are not a parent but still an observer of incest.
• If your loved one is considering suicide, follow-up with them on a regular basis.
• Encourage your loved one to report the rape or sexual violence to law enforcement (call 911 in most areas). If your loved one has questions about the criminal justice process, talking with someone on the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1.800.656.HOPE, can help.
• Let your loved one know that professional help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1.800.656.HOPE, and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
• If your loved one is willing to seek medical attention or report the assault, offer to accompany him or her wherever s/he needs to go (hospital, police station, campus security, etc.)
• Encourage him or her to contact one of the hotlines, but realize that only your loved one can make the decision to get help.

It is also important to note that having a friend or family member who is raped or assaulted can be a very upsetting experience. For this reason it is also important that you take care of yourself. Even if your friend and family member isn’t ready to talk to a hotline specialist, you can get support for yourself. You can also get ideas about ways to help your friend or family member through the recovery process.

To search for your local counseling center, click here

If you care to make a donation in honor of your loved one, please visit RAINN's donation page and demonstrate your commitment to the fight against sexual violence!

Terrific Speaking Engagement at SEPC2011

I got to speak at an amazing conference on Saturday called the South Eastern Panhellenic Conference. It was filled with amazing Sorority Women Leaders, Posh Panhellenic Peeps, and awesome other speakers!

I was so lucky and blessed to be a part of the Jean H. Wells Leadership Series- Omega Program. My room was packed with women and a few men.... they had to bring in extra chairs. I had a young lady faint during the beginning of my presentation but we were able to get her up and out of the room. She left in style saying "Y'all will never forget about this." I heard she was taken to the hospital to be checked out and I hope everything turns out ok for her.

The rest of the talk went of without a hitch. I felt so supported by the audience with their attention and even tears.

I got so many Facebook and Twitter Followers afterwards and even during :) The feedback from these people has been unbelievable. I haven't gotten to see the evaluations yet, but can't wait.

I want to thank the young lady that confided in me my after I spoke. She was so brave in telling me her story and I know she will find healing!

If you or a friend are sexually assaulted... Please call 1-800-656-HOPE or check out the online hotline.