Bestselling Author Donna M. Kshir Speaks Out Against Child Abuse:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 13, 2009 -- Michigan/Pennsylvania based bestselling author Donna M. Kshir was the Rotary Club of Renovo's guest speaker at Yesterday's Restaurant on April 27.

Following dinner, Kshir spoke, not necessarily about her recent releases, her accomplishments or the life of an author, but about an issue that lies near and dear to her heart, child abuse.

"In the last year I have been given the opportunity to live my dream as a published author," she said. "This opportunity has granted me many blessings. It has allowed me to travel, meet new and interesting people, but it also has given me a voice.

In September, she accepted the role as spokesperson and marketing director for an organization called Dreamcatchers for Abused Children," she said. Dreamcatchers is a worldwide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting child abuse awareness by educating society on signs, symptoms, statistics, prevention and steps toward recovery, she said.

"In the beginning, I thought as a spokesperson I would shake a few hands, sign a few autographs and cut a check," she continued. "I had no idea by meeting Sandra Potter, the CEO and founder of Dreamcatchers, it would forever change my life."

Kshir spoke of the day Potter confided in her that she took a stand after her own daughter's innocence was stolen.

The speaker also shared child abuse statistics, asking the Rotarians, "Did you know... Every 13 seconds a child is physically abused in the United States. One in three girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18. One in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. A total of 85 percent of teenagers who run away from home flee in an attempt to escape some type of abuse. Every 10 seconds a child is sexually abused or raped. Today, five children alone will die from neglect and child abuse."

She said, "Our mission is to work toward child abuse prevention and, hopefully, put an end to and stop this vicious cycle of abuse and violence. I strongly believe education and knowledge is the key to prevention. I think it is time we stop hoping for a change and demand a change. Together we can and will make a difference."

When asked why she chose to speak about Dreamcatchers, she answered, "I am not the kind of person who can stand in front of a crowd and talk about myself when there are much more important issues that need addressed. One would have to tie my hands behind my back and tape my mouth shut to stop me from speaking out against child abuse - and I'm not even sure if that would stop me.

"I thank God every day that neither myself nor my children have ever been affected by abuse, but just because I have personally not been affected... doesn't mean I will close my eyes and pretend abuse doesn't happen," she said.

Rotary official Alex Rauch, a past district governor, presented her with a gold pen.

"I was very nervous about speaking before my hometown," Kshir said. "The members of Rotary are all people I admire and have the highest respect for...

"A lot of people have the misconception that because you come from Renovo you will never be anyone or you will never accomplish anything. I strongly disagree with that," she said. "We have a remarkable community with many remarkable and talented people. We are a small community and we don't get the attention or recognition bigger communities do or that we deserve, but that don't make us any less valid. I am proud of my community and I'm proud to be from Renovo."

She plans to launch her fifth release, "One Step Ahead of Fate," next month. Potter is the co-author of the raw, detailed account of a young woman's dramatic story of domestic violence. The duo also is launching a series of educational books based on personal experiences, research and firsthand knowledge of the turmoil, trauma and life-long effects of abuse.

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