Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were held captive by Ariel Castro in his basement for ten years before they were rescued two months ago. And for the first time, they've broken their silence by releasing a thank you video.
The girls each disappeared at different times between 2002 and 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio and were kept locked up in a basement where they endured abuse for 10 years before Amanda Berry was able to escape through a door and call for help. Ariel Castro, 52, and former school bus driver has pleaded not guilty for the 329 counts charged against him, according to USA Today.
In the video the girls look determined to not let their past define them. "I want everyone to know how happy I am to be home with my family and friends, it has been unbelievable" says Berry, now 27 in the
DeJesus was 14 when she disappeared and is now 23. She offered a thank you to the public for its support.
Knight, abducted at 21 in 2002 was said to have endured the worst of the abuse from Castro. "I just want everyone to know I'm doing just fine. I may have been through hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face and with my head held high and my feet firmly on the ground," Knight says "I don't want to be consumed by hatred."
It really is remarkable that these women seem to be embracing heir second chance at life with such optimism and determination to help others who have been in their situation with their foundations. According to CNN, Courage Foundation has raised over $1 million for the victims.