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my

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“We can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts.” — Madeleine L'Engle

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Over the last 10 years, I have had to make decisions that have and will continue to alter the lives of my five siblings and myself. Fighting a system that seemingly didn’t believe us and turned their backs on our family was the catalyst that gave me more fight, more determination and more education about how to get things done. 

 

The trajectory of my life has led me down many different roads, some of them dead ends and some leading to new avenues. With each success or roadblock, I’ve learned how to cope, move past and when, where and how I should fight my battles.

 

I may not have formal education on these issues but I can speak to my experience and the resilience of women who have had to make tough choices. Choices that do not necessarily benefit them, choices that can make you crumble but force you to stand tall. I realize that most women have to make these types of choices, however, raising 5 young children as my own but also as their big sister has given me unique perspectives on becoming a mother of 5 at the age of 25, figuring out how to give them the lives they deserved while fighting for their rights as Canadain citizens.

 

Today I am ready to share my story with others who need to hear a message that they are not alone, or that their choices are valid. I know that my voice breathes an inspirational wind and I chose to share this. It’s not a lack of humility, it’s humility that makes me want to help myself and others through the times that define us. If we keep our successes silent we keep other women in the dark. I’m ready to use my voice. 

 

For speaking engagements please contact Lindsay Van Gyn, CEO Hello, Hero lindsay@wearehellohero.com