I am a survivor of the LA Fitness mass shooting on August 4, 2009, in Collier, PA. While I wasn’t physically wounded, I now understand the mental wounds will last a lifetime. It took me almost 13 years to realize I wasn’t alone in this battle. A little over 3 years ago, I started connecting with other mass violence survivors and now understand the feelings I have surrounding that day are normal for the abnormal incident I was impacted by. Now that I know this, I’m determined to help support others and make sure they know they are not alone.

In 2024, I became a trained Peer Mentor for the HEART Peer Support program, through the Resiliency and Justice Center, Las Vegas. We are paired one on one with another survivor of a mass violence incident to support and help them navigate through challenging times, whether that be from their incident or current challenges. HEART also hosts First Tuesdays with HEART, a free monthly virtual educational program where various experts present, with time for discussion, on different topics we may encounter during our healing journey. In addition, every 3rd Tuesday and 4th Thursdays we have support groups, via Zoom, for anyone impacted, directly or indirecty, by any mass violence incident. This is a safe place for those of us impacted to talk about anything currently going on. There is power in community!

In 2024, I also partnered with the 10.27 Healing Partnership to organize food drive for those in need on the 15th anniversary of LA Fitness shooting. I have also taught Zumba classes for community members there. It’s a great way to get some stress out and have fun.

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