"Since putting my son up for adoption I have wanted my story to be heard. I kept a journal to document everything I went through so then down the road I can collaberate it into "my story." This is a struggle for me everyday and being a part of this project is good therapy for me. I hope others can maybe relate, be touched, or encouraged by my story. Thanks Melissa for coming up with this project- it means a lot to me."
-Anna Smith, 20; Idaho
"“Most importantly what has happened to me since exhuming the piece from its dark corner in my mind is the beginning of subtle relief I’ve been experiencing with the expulsion of this secret. Also, at a moment that made sense, I shared my story with my twenty one year old daughter with the hope that if she were ever faced with this most difficult of decisions, she would know she was not alone in her struggle toward a choice complicated and layered.”
-Nancy
“"We all have friends and family who help us through our tough times. But sometimes, as comforting as they can be, they just do not understand- how could they? They have not experienced your situation, have not survived the challenge, the road you now face. You need to hear that it will be okay one day- okay does not mean it will be easy- but that you will get through this- and learn and grow from this. Other websites may share information on resources and have blogs to share stories, but so many are sharing their suffering. Those of us going through a challenging time in our life need to hear about that light at the end of the tunnel- need to hear that others felt as we do but now are ‘okay’- need to hear of successful journeys down this road. We need to hear inspiring stories. Melissa knew that-and understood how just one story could help just one woman face the next day. ‘Help Inspire Others’ is a gift to us all.” - Lisa
“The thought of being able to inspire someone to see their own strength within (with my story), makes me feel connected to others. Sometimes our greatest challenges can become our biggest blessings."
-Issa M. Mas, 35; New York
“My miscarriage was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to experience in my life. The hardest part of going through this ordeal was that I felt like I had let so many people down. I felt like a failure. It took a long time to forgive myself even though, logically, I knew it wasn’t my fault. I thankfully had a very supportive family unit that made the pain easier to bear. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am. Since the miscarriage, I’ve taken up writing again, something I haven’t done in years. I needed there to be a reason behind the pain, something would emerge that would help make sense of what had happened and writing has giving me that. From my loss I’ve gained a part of myself I’d hidden away and given up on. I think expressing yourself through words and through this project can be a huge part of the healing process after a traumatic or life changing event. I hope more people find this resource and find their voice. Writing my poetry has helped me, and I believe it can help others.”
-Katie Josephine Gabbert, 30; Sandstone, Minnesota
"The Help Inspire Others project has been something I've held great personal interest in since its inception. I've truly believed in what it is that the project seeks to do as well as the perceived benefits. I encourage those with a story to tell on these topics to do so as I have done. My hope in this project is that it lets those out there who may feel alone, know that they don't have to be; that's what it has given me."
-Daniel M. Broskett, 23; New York
"“Melissa- the Help Inspire Others Project helped me face my son and most of my feelings towards all of this. You did this to help people. You helped me, so thank you!”"
-Andrea Kilcherman, 24; Fayetteville, North Carolina