As I talk to the 58 survivors we’ve identified across Europe, they tell me the most incredible stories. They are stories full of pain, deception, and unthinkable cruelty. Their stories also show deep resilience and heroism.
I want to share the story of one survivor with you. Let’s call her “Ramona.” When she was in her early 20s, she was a student at the local University. She met another young woman there who wasn’t a student. This other woman formed a “friendship” with Ramona. Soon, this “friend” introduced her to a man who treated her like a queen. Once they had been dating for a while, this man invited her on a romantic trip in Western Europe. Ramona accepted.
“That’s where my nightmare began,” Ramona told us. The man she thought was her boyfriend turned out to be her trafficker. For the next two years, Ramona endured unimaginable conditions and abuse. For much of the time, she was trapped on a boat where people would come to exploit her.
One day, Ramona’s trafficker took her into the city. Ramona seized her chance! She found a police officer and reported what was happening to her - that she was a slave, that her life was in danger.
Thankfully, the police officer believed her. He took Ramona to safety and investigated her trafficker. Soon, they arrested the trafficker for enslaving Ramona and 28 other women. That’s right - 28 other women went free because of Ramona’s bravery. She is a hero.
Ever since, Ramona has been tucked away in a safehouse where she says “a wonderful team takes care of me.” This safehouse is part of our Freedom Highway network. When they realized Ramona was Romanian, they called our team in Europe.
Now, Ramona’s dream is to unlock her future back in Romania. “My desire is to return to my homeland Romania and see my family and friends again. I know that life is not ever going to be the same, but I know that if I was able to escape from hell, I will surely succeed in creating a new path for my life.”
Ramona has already brought freedom to others. Now, she's ready to build a new life. We have the honor of making that dream come true by unlocking her transformation.
For just $16,000 per year, we can provide Ramona with everything she needs to heal at the Sanctuary. She will receive world-class, trauma-informed care for everything from her body, mind, and spirit. Soon, we will see her back in school and ready to live the life she was destined for.
I cannot think of any greater honor than getting to walk with heroic women like Ramona. Your generosity makes it possible for us to bring healing for her and each of the 58 women waiting across Europe.
We hold the keys to unlock her future.
Awestruck,
Kim Westfall
PS, We are focused on these 58 women, but the truth is we are hearing of more survivors who need our care every day. Keep praying that God makes a way to bring hundreds of these precious survivors to our doors.