My name is Avonley Lightstone, and I am the author of the memoir Strength of Scars.

At the age of three, my life was forever changed. A house fire broke out while my father was intoxicated and unresponsive. I tried to save my mother, but she did not survive. After her death, I was placed up for adoption.

I was adopted into a home with 14 children, where I was told I would be safe and loved. Instead, I experienced emotional and physical abuse at the hands of my adoptive mother. Those early years shaped my understanding of pain, survival, and resilience—but they did not define my future.

I wrote Strength of Scars to shine a light on the realities of childhood trauma, abuse, and loss—and to remind others that our scars do not define us; they can be transformed into strength.

The response to my book has been deeply humbling. Readers from all walks of life have reached out to share how my story helped them feel seen, understood, and not alone.

Recently, a film producer read my book and told me it has strong potential to become a feature film or television series. I am currently working with a producer who has been involved in major films including 300, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Piranha 3D, and Letters to Juliet. His goal is to help turn my memoir into a professionally written screenplay that is market-ready and can be pitched to studios and networks such as Netflix, Paramount, Disney etc.

Here’s the challenge:To retain the rights to my own life story and remain creatively involved, I must fund the screenplay development myself.

The screenplay will take 6–8 months to complete and costs $50,000—a standard industry rate for a professional, feature-length screenplay. I do not have screenwriting experience, but I will be actively involved in shaping the script so the story remains authentic, truthful, and impactful.

Like many people, I once believed that if a producer saw potential, they would simply pay for the script. While that can happen, it often means surrendering rights. I am choosing a different path—one that allows me to protect my story and its message. This GoFundMe campaign is about turning pain into purpose and giving this story the chance to reach millions who need hope, healing, and truth.

I will also be sharing more of my story in an interview with Nate Eaton, News Director of East Idaho News, on his YouTube program “Courtroom Insider.”

If you believe stories can heal…If you believe survivors deserve to own their voices…If you believe scars can become strength…

I invite you to help make this vision a reality.

Thank you for standing with me.