Hello, my name is Leannah, and I have been an advocate against child abuse for over 30 years. In that time, I met some great people and was part of changes in Michigan Law on Child Abuse. 

As a child, I was a victim. I went through foster care and had some good homes and some bad, and it changed my life. Through life, I had ups and downs, but one thing I learned was to become a survivor, and that’s when I started sharing my story and touching lives. 

I would love to help others understand that if something bad happens don’t mean it defines who you are. So many children who have been abused didn’t have a chance to live because of monsters, but I am here to tell you abuse is mental also, and that kind of abuse is hard to overcome. But it’s possible. 

My name is Caden Noland. I have been an advocate since I was 6 years old, having attended events and marches with my mother and becoming more involved in my teenage and adult years. I am in college, currently working on getting my Associate's degree before going into veterinary medicine. I love animals and helping them.

I think all children deserve to feel love, be protected, and have a safe home. Every child matters. Children are people; they deserve to be treated respectfully, to be raised with bodily autonomy.

I am a victim of COCSA, or child-on-child sexual assault. I was also psychologically abused by certain members of my paternal family, which took me years to even accept, and I still have a lot of work to move forward.

 My life goal is to help as many children and animals as I can, to help change lives, and to make a difference.

Hello my name is Cheryl Scott. I have been an advocate against child abuse for about 17+ years.  I was a volunteer under Dominick’s Law and then Dominick’s Warriors.  At the beginning of my advocacy we pressed for a new law here in MI called Dominick’s Law which was eventually passed unanimously (107-0) in May 2012.  After the law was passed, we became Dominick’s Warriors.  I volunteered my time fundraising, attending marches and eventually running the marches and speaking with the media.  I also spearheaded an adopt-a-highway in honor of Dominick Calhoun.  

I am a child abuse survivor.  I have firsthand knowledge of what abuse can do to a child.  My brothers suffered physical and emotional abuse from both our parents.  I was emotionally and sexually abused.  I was strong enough to break that cycle with my own children.

I have the mentality of “If you see something, say something.”  I believe that everyone should mandate that for themselves.  You never know when you’ll be that person who saves a child from abuse and even death.

I will always take a stand to protect a child.