On January 24, 2018, Dr. Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40-175 years in federal prison for abusing more than 245 athletes that were under his care spanning 30 years. At his sentencing, Randall Margraves had the opportunity to speak as the father of two of the abuse victims. Riddled with anger and grief, Mr. Margraves did what every parent in the courtroom wanted to do--he lunged at Dr. Nassar after being denied by the judge five minutes alone with him.
Statistics of sexual abuse continue to rise in the United States. Sadly, a deviant culture has invaded our shores and stolen the innocence of our children. Kathryn’s story is only one of the millions of mothers who have had to deal with the repercussions of the sexual abuse of their daughters, and I would like to thank Kathryn and Kara for their bravery in sharing their personal experiences.
For parents, it is a never-ending heartache filled with guilt and regret. Hopefully, the journey that God has brought Kathryn and Kara through will assist or enlighten the millions of parents coping with the aftermath of sexual abuse in their families.
May you be spared of such devastation, but if not, until parents speak out, the world will never change. When your faith fails, please know that believing again is possible.
Beth Withers Banning