“I have had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I’ve been sexually abused, and I’ve been through domestic violence and it’s okay. Because life goes on and I’m okay.”
Lena is a remarkable 18-year-old girl. After battling cancer, Lena used her Wish, granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to share her own story to be an advocate for other survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Lena's video was produced at Collectively. Lindsay Schrupp, an editor and social producer for Collectively shared with BuzzFeed that she formerly worked as Communications and Marketing Manager for the Alaska and Washington chapter of Make-A-Wish in Seattle.
youtube.com / Via youtube.com
Meet Lena. At 18 years old, she has lived through more hardship than anyone deserves in an entire lifetime.
Lena says, "I have had Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I've been sexually abused, and I've been through domestic violence and it's okay."
Collectively / Via youtube.com
Somehow, through it all, Lena has a positive outlook on life.
Lena told BuzzFeed, "I want people to know that being abused shouldn't break your confidence, spirit, or your smile."
Collectively / Via youtube.com
When contacted by Make-A-Wish, Lena told the organization that she wanted to do a photo shoot, article, and video encouraging other young people to come forward about sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Lena told BuzzFeed, "I hope people who have been abused, and people who haven't, realize that it's not as uncommon as it appears."
Collectively / Via youtube.com