Stories
These stories are firsthand experiences written by trauma survivors or others impacted by trauma. Story contributors choose whether or not they want to include their name, use a pseudonym, or remain anonymous.
The stories can serve as a reminder that you are not alone, and they often conclude with a message of inspiration. Reclaim Foundation firmly believes that traumatic events do not define you and we stand alongside you in solidarity. We elevate the stories of survivors and anyone impacted by trauma in order to increase awareness and highlight the resilience of the trauma community.
The topics in these stories may be difficult to read, so feel free to Take a Break and revisit these stories when you are comfortable. If you find it challenging to read these stories all at once, consider making time for yourself before returning to the story. For example, you can engage in hobbies, go for a walk, or talk to a friend and you may feel more empowered to continue reading afterwards.
I’m Not A Victim, I’m A Survivor
Content related to: Gun Violence
By: Shae Turner
October 1st easily went from a day full of fun to a night full of senseless terror, forever changing the girl I am.
On September 29, I attended the first day of the three day long Route 91 Harvest Festival with my best friend, Delaney Sylvester. She and I made memories that I woke up on the morning of October 1st, thinking would last a lifetime. We had the chance to see some of our favorite artists together, and celebrate my belated birthday at a festival full of country music and happy, kind hearted people. Little did we know that a weekend full of smiles, laughter and fun, was about to turn into chaos, panic, and tragedy.
Erika Dawkins of Bon Ton Studio
Through the vision of owner Erika Dawkins, Bon Ton Studio was born in Healdsburg, California in 2016. Inspired by a decade of experiences and adventures from around the world, Bon Ton Studio is an evolving collection of wovens, apparel, soft goods + beautiful designs from artisans worldwide.
A Physician’s Take on Trauma in Healthcare
An Informational Session with Dr. Erika
Content related to: Trauma in Healthcare
In partnership with Reclaim Foundation, Dr. Erika Aragona discusses the importance of physicians recognizing trauma in healthcare, what patients should expect from their providers, and more. This video will provide anyone impacted by trauma with encouragement and support.
Dr. Erika Aragona is a board-certified family medicine physician who prioritizes personalizing medicine and health care advice for the modern woman. She enjoys removing communication barriers in health care.
From Reality Survivor to Cancer Survivor
An Interview with Ethan Zohn
Content related to: Cancer
A former professional soccer player who went on to win the reality TV show Survivor: Africa would appear to have it all. However, Ethan Zohn was later diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer where he had to battle both the mental and physical aspects of his diagnosis and, later, relapse.
Megan Bull, the founder and president of Reclaim Foundation, is excited to share her interview with Ethan about his cancer story and how he reclaimed his life.
World Cancer Day Panel
Content related to: Cancer
For World Cancer Day, Megan Bull, the founder and president of Reclaim Foundation is joined with Jenna Benn Shersher, the founder and president of Twist Out Cancer, and Stephanie Lieber, the executive director of Imerman Angels, for an informational panel on the mental health aspects of the cancer journey. They dive into how cancer is being classified as a form of trauma, the feelings many cancer survivors, previvors, and caregivers may have, and what their organizations offer in response.
Saugus Strong
Content related to: Gun Violence
By: Lola
I come from a little town on the edge of Los Angeles. It’s not so little, really, but everyone always seems to know everyone – generations of families have grown up around each other and somehow there’s always a connection from a friend of a friend etc. Even when I left my hometown of Saugus, I kept running into everyone with always the same ‘what high school are you from? Oh my X relative went there! I think our parents were friends.’
When my best friend texted me to check the news “there’s been a shooting,” it was only about 7 am.
Rebuilding After Wildfires
Content related to: Wildfires
By: Claire Wheeler
You never think it’ll happen to you, until it does. I remember waking up to panicked calls and texts with no idea of what had taken place in my hometown. And after not being able to get a hold of my parents for about an hour, I feared the worst. I still get teary eyed thinking about how I collapsed on the floor of my apartment in anguish that morning, feeling helpless and uncertain of what lay ahead. While the only loss we encountered was material, this natural disaster brought on emotional turmoil like I had never experienced before.
Reclaim Foundation Founder’s Story
Content related to: Gun Violence, Vehicle Accidents, Wildfires
By: Megan Bull - President, Director, and Founder of Reclaim Foundation
When I officially began the process of forming Reclaim Foundation, I worried about writing this exact story that you are reading. We often define ourselves by something of prominent importance in our lives; growing up I defined myself as a “gymnast” and now I dreaded the thought of forever being defined as a “trauma victim.” I use the term “victim” because I thought I hadn’t reached some imaginable success point of rehabilitation that switched me from a “victim” to a “survivor.”
Do you wish to share your story? Contact us.