Hi, my name is Marcie, some of you may know me as Marcello— and this fundraiser is about truth, courage, and protecting my voice as a survivor.

When I was a child, I experienced repeated sexual abuse within the church community where I was raised.

For decades, I carried that pain alone. I stayed silent out of fear, shame, and the belief that no one would believe me.

This year, after a lifetime of holding the truth inside, I finally came forward.

A reputable news outlet investigated my story, spoke to former congregants who remembered the environment I grew up in, and published my account with care and integrity.

You can read the full story here: https://tucson.com/article_733a4dd5-5a1c-4782-9506-c00804cb2820.html

But once my truth became public, people in positions of authority responded by saying I was lying.

Public statements were made that questioned my credibility and attempted to cast doubt on what I survived.

Those statements caused deep harm — to my reputation, to my relationships, and to my ongoing healing.

No survivor should come forward only to be publicly dismissed or shamed.

Because of this, I am pursuing a civil defamation case.

Not out of anger.

Not out of revenge.

But because I have the right to speak about what happened to me without being called a liar for it.

Every survivor does.

I have secured a law firm willing to represent me, but I need help covering the initial costs of moving this case forward:

— Legal retainer

— Filing and court fees

— Evidence documentation

— Litigation support

My goal is $12,000 — every dollar going directly to the legal costs of protecting my name and my truth.

Even if you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser helps immensely:

• Social media

• Survivor networks

• Community groups

• Friends and family

Your support tells me — and tells other survivors watching — that our voices matter.

That coming forward is not something we should be punished for.

That truth deserves protection.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for standing beside me in this fight.

With strength and gratitude,

Marcie