My life changed in the early afternoon of June 17th, 2018 when I was brutally attacked and beaten in San Francisco while I was enjoying my run.  I heard someone yelling at me to get off his territory and when I turned around, he was chasing me. I was running as fast as I could and looking for a strategy to escape but there was railing on both sides of the foot-bridge, so there was no escape. I kept turning around and putting my hand out and yelling at him to stop. But it was clear he was outrunning me. He threw me to the ground and started beating me. He did this over and over again. I was positive he was going to kill me. For some reason, he did stop and he ran away. This attack was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me, and it started me on a journey I never thought I’d be on. It shook me to my core. I was afraid everyday that someone was going to attack me out of the blue. I’ve traveled a lot by myself, including internationally, but after this happened it took me a long time to leave my apartment unless someone was with me. One of my trauma therapists suggested I take a self-defense class at IMPACT Bay Area.

I was traumatized by my attack and didn’t feel supported by the legal system. IMPACT Bay Area offered me a scholarship to take the Women’s Basics class. I immediately felt supported. I was excited and nervous to start. It turned out this class was absolutely instrumental in my recovery. It was expertly taught in a very supportive environment. After learning boundary setting and self-defense, I was given the opportunity to replay my attack with a different ending. It was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever done. When I stood up after my fight, I cried and so did most of the class. This class was so profound in my life that I returned my scholarship money so that someone else could have the same opportunity I did. I also decided I wanted to be on the board of IMPACT Bay Area. This organization does such important work and I’m honored and proud to say I’m now on their board! My wish is that every girl and woman has an opportunity to take an Impact Bay Area class so they can feel more confident setting emotional and physical boundaries.

I hope that you will help my fundraising efforts to make this happen!

Sarah