The Go Blue 4 Kids Breakfast brings community members together to talk about the uncomfortable, but real, subject of child abuse.
The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center invites guest speakers to empower and educate our audience about child abuse during April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Speakers share personal stories about overcoming the trauma of child abuse and their transition from victim to survivor.
Our next Go Blue 4 Kids Breakfast will be Thursday, March 31st, 2022 with our Keynote Speaker – Michelle Knight. Tickets will go on sale this December!
Michelle Knight
Best-Selling Author, Cleveland Kidnapping Survivor
As one of the women who escaped from the Cleveland home of Ariel Castro after 11 years of captivity, torture and abuse, Michelle Knight has risen out of darkness and trauma to captivate audiences around the world with her incredible story of heroism, survival and healing. Speaking honestly about her experiences, she imparts valuable lessons for other survivors, sharing invaluable takeaways for those who work with victims of trauma and abuse.
Choosing a new name for her new life, Knight, who is also known as Lily Rose Lee, is an international and New York Times best-selling author. Her first memoir of the Cleveland kidnappings, Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed, tells the riveting details of what happened inside Ariel Castro’s home and also shares her tumultuous childhood. Her new book about life after her escape, Life After Darkness: Finding Healing and Happiness After the Cleveland Kidnappings comes out on the heels of the five year anniversary of reclaiming her life. It shares her inspiring journey to finding true friendship, healing, happiness and a life’s purpose advocating for victims of trauma and abuse. Knight and her story have been featured on Dr. Phil, The Today Show, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, USA Today, Newsweek and People, among others.
A captivating speaker who shines in a moderated conversation format, Knight has appeared before audiences ranging from survivors and community groups to professional organizations in mental health, trauma survivorship, social services, and law enforcement. Committed to being a strong voice for victims, her unforgettable story and inspiring message continue to touch lives and make a positive impact around the world.
PAST KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Christina Meredith (2021)
Survivor, foster care activist, mental health advocate, and national speaker
Dawn Schiller (2019)
Expert survivor-leader in the anti-trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault movements
Jenna Quinn (2018)
Survivor and author of Pure in Heart: A Memoir of Overcoming Abuse and Passing Jenna’s Law
Kevin Mulcahy (2017)
Survivor and Assistant U.S. District Attorney
Matthew Sandusky (2016)
Survivor, Founder and Executive Director of Peaceful Hearts Foundation
Marilyn Van Derbur (2014)
Survivor and author of Miss America by Day: Lessons Learned from Ultimate Betrayals and Unconditional Love