The Survivor Series: Dare to Care

The Boy with No Bruises

Neglected and abandoned by one father, and threated, verbally abused and psychologically terrorized by another, Brian Guarding endured a childhood of silent suffering. Who would believe a boy with no bruises? The signs were there — straight A's giving way to failing grades, and quiet compliance replaced with angry outbursts — but like Brian, they were ignored. When his stepfather's cruelty reached a vindictive new low, Brian found the courage to break his silence. And in doing so, he discovered that words don't just inflict pain — they can also set you free. Brian's voice led him to the one thing he had so desperately longed for: a father.

The Sacrificial Lamb

Parenting a little girl to feel beautiful, capable and worthy is important to Heidi Anderson. So is providing a safe, loving home. Particularly because that little girl is her own inner child.  The home Heidi physically grew up in was the complete opposite, filled with alcoholism, codependence, blurred lines and no boundaries. Not allowed to have any needs and starved for affection, Heidi felt special when her father first began showering her with attention. The more her parents’ marriage dissolved the more she got. Then the grooming kicked into high gear. From sacrificial lamb to incest survivor, Heidi’s story is one of courage, faith, and conviction connecting to the child within and setting them both free from shame.

Seen and Not Heard

As a World War II and Korean War Veteran some would consider Tim Broderick’s father a hero. At home, he was a horror. A raging alcoholic and full of demons which he took out on his family. The beatings Tim endured were brutal. The ones his mother took routinely put her in the hospital.  Tim went to extremes to shield his little sister but was helpless to protect himself. Then at the age of 15, his dad died and a surprising new abuser emerged.  Full of rage and resentment and held hostage by his past, Tim did something his parents couldn’t. He learned how to put his demons to rest.

Silent No More

Repeatedly molested by a cousin as a child, Annie White grew up believing girls have no choices and must obey men. A belief system which laid the foundation for her later becoming what she calls, “the perfect battered wife.” Essentially held hostage in her own home; she was abused, manipulated, controlled and sexually assaulted. For years she stayed silent believing it was her fault and fearing her children would be taken away. Then she saw the effect on her daughters and found the strength to escape. With therapy and hard work, a whole new life opened up. Leaving Annie with one final hurdle… forgiving herself.

The Warrior

Dwight Francisco is a survivor…  and a warrior. Sexually abused as a young boy in his tribal community, Dwight kept it secret suffering immense physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual damage. He spent decades wrestling shame, depression, and addiction before finding therapy and “Wellbriety.” Once silent, Dwight now courageously shares what’s helped him heal his soul wound, save his inner-child and set himself free – all while honoring his creator and culture.