Aly’s Story

Aly Wants to Share her Story

In June of 2015, just after her eighth birthday, was supposed to be the start of a huge adventure across the pond. Instead, it became the trip where her innocence and trust were shattered. While on a train ride, her grandpa, a man she trusted and loved, stole her innocence. His actions forced a silence upon her, a silence that lasted for six years. At eight years old, she became a victim of sexual abuse.

As she became more fluent in silence, her understanding of the world became distorted. She was a child, trying to make sense of something incomprehensible, and for a time, she believed the lies her grandpa told her, that his actions were a representation of love. Time passed, and her world was swarmed with emotions. Every birthday and holiday spent with her grandparents turned into memories of fear, uncomfortableness, and insecurity. On her 14th birthday, she had a gut feeling that she needed to break the silence. He was a dangerous man, imposing emotions a 14-year-old girl should never have to experience—emotions any person should not have to experience.

Something they don’t tell you about learning the language of silence is how to break it. How do you go back to just speaking English and Spanish? It was as if her once-known languages were now foreign. Nothing prepared her more than the reality of it all. Taking legal action took strength she never knew she had. It was the unwavering support of Cornerhouse that began to help her find her voice again, offering a safe and understanding space to finally speak the unspeakable.

Amidst the hurt and chaos of her life, the light in her sparked, knowing she was not alone. I'm going to say this louder for everyone to hear: you are not alone. That 8-year-old girl needed to hear that. That 14-year-old girl needed to hear that. And everyone else who has experienced any hardship in life, look around and hear me when I say that you are not alone.

That little 8-year-old girl found her voice by age 15. She started healing—something she never believed would ever be possible. She had the hardest of conversations, but the best support one could ask for.

In July of 2024, as she entered her trial with a teal string around her wrist, a representation of being brave despite being a survivor of one of the worst traumas in her life. As more of her supporters came into the hallway to gather before the court, there was a warm, familiar presence: the presence of Cornerhouse.

Cornerhouse is more than a non-profit; they are a team, they are a family, they are a relentless support through the hardships of life.

Cornerhouse was there during the most vulnerable moments, guiding her and her family through the forensic interviewing process with compassion and unwavering support. They provided a safe space to speak her truth, validating her experience and empowering her to take the first steps towards healing. That teal string she wore, a personal symbol of bravery, embodies the very spirit that Cornerhouse fosters in every survivor they serve. And now, through Bracelets for Bravery, we have the opportunity to extend that same empowerment to other survivors. Each bracelet is a symbol of hope, a reminder that they are not alone, and a direct contribution to the vital services Cornerhouse provides.

That 8-year-old girl, the one I've been telling you about, she's not just a character in a story. She's a part of me. She lives inside me today, providing me the strength that allows me to stand. And she's here, continuing to fight for justice, using her voice for her story and for others. Your support ensures that other children, other survivors, will find the strength to do the same.”

-Aly Gray