Purple Runway - Help Support Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Hello Supporters!

Thank you for visiting us, and thanks to Shelena for her powerful story. We genuinely appreciate her truth and testimony.

Shelena has been with Purple Runway for several years, transitioning from a survivor to a community leader who supports others within and beyond our organization. One thing is for sure: I could not have shared her experience better than she did. Thank you so much, Madam President!

I am Gigi McMillan, the Founder and Executive Director of Purple Runway. My journey as a survivor of childhood trauma and intimate partner abuse has been one of resilience and transformation. One of my most haunting memories dates back to when I was just ten years old, sitting on a witness stand, sharing painful secrets that had tormented me for over two years. I vividly remember hyperventilating, losing consciousness, and being rushed to the hospital. This memory is particularly distressing because the person responsible for my suffering, a military soldier and family friend, evaded justice and faced no charges.

This traumatic episode cast a long shadow over my life, leading to profound self-doubt and a struggle to recognize my worth. The burden of not being believed weighed heavily on me, and the trauma stayed with me for years. Eventually, I decided to put everything on hold and choose myself. I embarked on a personal journey to heal the enduring pain that haunted me daily. Unfortunately, this journey also made me vulnerable to more abusive relationships.

In 2012, I took a pivotal step by leaving my corporate job and shifting my focus toward healing. I found solace in therapy and explored various self-regulation strategies. Amid my healing journey, I felt a deep desire to help others. This calling led to the creation of Purple Runway, an organization dedicated to empowering survivors who have bravely shed the shackles of shame, reclaimed their lives, and refused to accept abuse any longer.

Today, we are asking with a heartfelt plea for support for Purple Runway.

Our journey began in 2015 when we hosted an event highlighting courageous individuals reclaiming their power. This event marked the beginning of our mission to remove the shroud of shame surrounding survivors, allowing them to declare, "I am a survivor proudly."

From 2015 to 2019, we held this event annually, providing ongoing advocacy and support. During this time, we raised funds to help families escape violence and break the generational cycle of abuse. We supported back-to-school needs and partnered with dental professionals to restore smiles affected by the physical toll of violence.

In 2020, the pandemic severely impacted our operations. Nevertheless, we persisted, honoring those who demonstrated incredible resilience and those who supported us in our mission to help survivors.

As of January 2020, we officially became a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, positioning us to make an even more significant impact. Now, we need your help to fulfill our mission effectively.

The funds we raise will play a crucial role in executing our vision, including a series of workshops focusing on essential aspects of recovery. These workshops cover healthy relationships, overcoming self-sabotaging mindsets, and developing increased mental resilience through mindset exercises.

We also offer coaching programs specifically designed to aid in trauma recovery, reduce anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem, and enhance emotional regulation. These tools are vital for survivors as they seek to regain control of their lives, make better judgments, and recognize their intrinsic self-worth.

Your support will enable us to facilitate these workshops and secure the expertise of professionals who can guide survivors on their journey from victim to survivor, ultimately helping them thrive and reach back to assist others in overcoming the horrors of domestic violence.

No matter the size of your contribution, it will make a tangible difference in the lives of survivors. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and provide hope, healing, and empowerment to those who need it most. Please consider donating to Purple Runway and joining us in our mission to create a world free from violence and abuse.

For more information, please visit our website at [www.purplerunway.org](http://www.purplerunway.org). We truly appreciate your generosity and support.

Before I go, I want to leave you with this quote:

"If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else." – Toni Morrison.

I am FREE, good PEOPLE. Please help us help someone else.

Please visit our website to learn more: www.purplerunway.org

With gratitude,

Gigi McMillan and the Purple Runway team