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Elizabeth Smart Sends Message to Cleveland Girls Held Captiv

1,758 views · Published 29 April 2015 · 2:14 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: Dayton 24/7 Now · 2015 · News & Politics

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DAYTON -- It's a case that shocked the nation.After nine months of searching, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was found just miles from the home where she was abducted."We're all survivors of something," said Elizabeth Smart.Today, Elizabeth Smart lives what most believe is a normal life but she continues to share her story of survival with others."I just want people to have hope. I want them to see that no matter what they're trials are that we can overcome them and that life is worth living," she said.It's a message she shares with the three Cleveland girls who were rescued from this home after being held captive for ten years by Ariel Castro."They're such an incredible example of overcoming, of hope of resilience and of surviving something so long, I mean it's just unbelievable," said Smart.Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were rescued when Berry escaped while Castro was gone.Now, smart has a message to families who are still searching for their loved one."Don't give up because I came back. Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight, they came back Jaycee Dugard came back I mean people do survive people do come back, children do come back so don't give up, keep looking because you just never know," said Smart.And for those who might need to find the courage to leave."Life doesn't have to be this way, you're not supposed to be unhappy, you're not supposed to be getting hurt and so you find someone you trust and you go tell them, and they can help it stop," she said.Smart continues to tell her story in hopes of inspiring others.She works with women and kids who have been abused.For more information about the Elizabeth Smart Foundation click here.     Previous Coverage:   DAYTON -- It's a case that shocked the nation.After nine months of searching, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was found just miles from the home where she was abducted."We're all survivors of something," said Elizabeth Smart.Today, Elizabeth Smart lives what most believe is a normal life but she continues to share her story of survival with others."I just want people to have hope. I want them to see that no matter what they're trials are that we can overcome them and that life is worth living," she said.It's a message she shares with the three Cleveland girls who were rescued from this home after being held captive for ten years by Ariel Castro."They're such an incredible example of overcoming, of hope of resilience and of surviving something so long, I mean it's just unbelievable," said Smart.Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were rescued when Berry escaped while Castro was gone.Now, smart has a message to families who are still searching for their loved one."Don't give up because I came back. Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight, they came back Jaycee Dugard came back I mean people do survive people do come back, children do come back so don't give up, keep looking because you just never know," said Smart.And for those who might need to find the courage to leave."Life doesn't have to be this way, you're not supposed to be unhappy, you're not supposed to be getting hurt and so you find someone you trust and you go tell them, and they can help it stop," she said.Smart continues to tell her story in hopes of inspiring others.She works with women and kids who have been abused.For more information about the Elizabeth Smart Foundation click here.

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