Gina DeJesus was kidnapped and held against her will by Ariel Castro for nine grueling years. But her story is not about being a victim, it’s about being a survivor who ensures other families do not endure what hers did.
Eight years ago the world
witnessed a miracle when Gina was freed along with Amanda Berry and Michelle Knight. Just five years later Gina, along with her cousin Sylvia Colon, founded the
Cleveland Center for Missing, Abducted and Exploited Children and Adults. Their goal is to establish a place for families and survivors to come for support and resources and to provide prevention training to communities around the country.
In this CrimeCon exclusive session, Gina and Sylvia will be joined by Newburgh Heights Police Chief and board director John Majoy for an educational and emotional hour showcasing what their organization is doing for victims and their families. But Gina’s story, and the cause she now champions, is not just about Ohio—it’s about spreading awareness and resources nationwide so that no family ever has to go through the most traumatic time of their lives alone.
