In November, 2022, Nicholaus Cruz was sentenced to multiple life sentences for the horrific murders at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. The families of the victims made very powerful victim impact statements. I did not write all of them down, but I am sharing what I did copy. You can find more of the statements on U Tube. This episode is to help to give a voice to the victims and their families, and in hopes that changes are made so that nobody ever has to go through this type of tragedy again.

Matthew Shephard was a 21 year old man who was beaten, tortured, and left in freezing temperatures because he was gay. He died 6 days later from his injuries.

The case, brought about change and awareness of gay hate crimes, resulting in the signing of the Matthew Shephard Act in 2009, and Angel Action founded by his friend.

Brandon Teena was a transgender man who was born on 12/21/72 and murdered on 12/31/93.

Here is his story.

We lost a very brave young woman earlier this week. Dr.Brooke Ellison, PhD of Stony Brook University.

The first quadruplegic to graduate Harvard University, a political office candidate, neuroscience research pioneer and advocate, and co-author of her life story with her mother Jean.

She leaves behind a heartbroken, yet proud family.

I just felt that I needed to say a little something in her memory.