Letters from You

From: Larry

Hello Heather - Tonight I watched a one hour episode of "The Devil You Know" and your story touched me so that I did some searching on Google and was able to find a way to contact you, via email. I am a 51 year old male born, raised and living in Ontario Canada. I have worked in the prison system for over 29 years and am currently a Deputy Warden in a maximum security detention centre. In my many years Of employment I have met many violent perpetrators and victims of crime. I just felt compelled to contact you and let you know that you seem so strong, full of life and are beautiful inside and out. May god bless you for all you have done through whatever it is that has built such a strong woman. Such a small percentage of all victims of such a horrific crime could pull off what you've accomplished. Anyone who knows you or has you as a part of their life are truly blessed indeed. Larry

From: Shamini

Dear Heather I am grieved to know of the evil done upon you . I watched on tv today about you , which saddened me . I am glad though that your ex husband had been out away . I pray for you and loved ones . I had a friend who endured domestic violence from her father . She had shared with me how it affected her and siblings and mother . It's hard to leave so you did a courageous act to leave . My thoughts and prayers are with you . I know pain too , as I was abused sexually as a child etc . I found peace through God. Peace be with you, Shamini

From: Chrese

Hi Heather, I hope this email does not come as an intrusion. However, I am sitting here in my home in Brisbane Australia waiting to have my first baby and I have just watched a program on TV on your story! May I tell you that I just watched a beautiful and dignified lady show me what guts really is! Your fortitude and courage cant always come easily to you but you make it look effortless. Thats the survivor spirit and the mark of a tough lady! Thank you for sharing your story and please know that people you will never meet are inspired and touched by you. My kindest regards.

From: Frank

Good morning Heather, Hello from Auckland, New Zealand the land of the long white cloud. I saw parts of a television program on your unfortunate circumstances this morning and it was horrible you had to endure such things from your 2 ex husbands. My instincts told me to find out more about what happened to you so I googled your name to find out your full circumstances. You're a inspiration to so many people and your children are so fortunate to have a mother like yourself. I hope things are going well for you and just I wanted to say hello and to say keep up the good work you must be doing for other domestic violence victims. Regards Frank.

From: Cheryl

I truly admire your courage. I had cancer surgery 25 years ago, when I was 20 years old. I've had many struggles through the years, but your life is an amazing story of hope, strength and the will to make the most out of every day-no matter what happens. Thank you for sharing. Sincerely, Cheryl, Indiana

From: Patsy

Heather, Just wanted to say hello to you. You are such an inspiration to everyone that has heard your story! I saw your story on Investigative Discovery. I didn't know you had a second abusive husband until reading more on the internet. I have been married three times, widowed twice but never to anyone abusive, thank The Lord for that. I am so sorry you had to put up with husbands like that. I sincerely wish the rest of your life is filled with happiness, you certainly deserve it. May God Bless and Keep You in His Care! Sincerely, Patsy

From: Oonagh Patricia

I just want to say hello. I have just watched a tv programme about the awful crime that happened to you. I think you are an amazing woman and a true inspiration to us all. I am lucky enough to have good health, two lovely grown up children and a beautiful Granddaughter, but my life is still overshadowed by my ex husband. I moved 400 miles to get away from him yet he can still "pull my chain" by causing my children unhappiness. He has never carried out any of his "promises" to hurt me in the 30 years since we separated and divorced, but he still scares me. He is 6 feet 8 inches tall. I am 5 foot 2. The programme I have just watched showing the bravery and wisdom you showed through the trial and in the years after it, has inspired me to be less afraid. I wish you all the very best in your life with your lovely family. Thank you. With love, Oonagh Patricia

From: Jasmine

Hi there, My mother is a domestic abuse survivor. I aspire to have a fraction of the strength that she has, if only to do justice to the way she raised me. She put me and our safety above everything else, and she taught me the value of being self-sufficient, while also knowing how to ask for help. Even now, as her hair is starting to turn lighter shades of gray, she remains a ball of energy and drive, with her vibrancy and go-getter attitude that always seems to trump mine. I want to inspire others to find strength within themselves as well as to rock their independence, from their daily lives through their travels. I'm putting together a resource guide for domestic abuse survivors, including a range of resources to help them get on their feet. I saw your page (here: http://www.friendsofheathergrossman.com/help.shtml) and was wondering if you'd support this mission by sharing them with your audience, too.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.thehotline.org

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
http://www.ncadv.org/need-support/what-is-domestic-violence

The Ultimate Guide to Thriving As A Newly Independent Woman
http://closetbox.me/ultimate-guide-to-thriving-as-independent-woman

Single Parent Advocate
http://www.singleparentadvocate.org

Single Parents Network
http://singleparentsnetwork.com

How to Fix It Yourself
http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/how-to-fix-it-yourself-101

Financial Abuse
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14107&state_code=PG

Financial Savings & Debt Management
http://www.calculators.org/savings/

It's our hope that this information is useful to you and, in turn, your site visitors. If that's incorrect, please let me know in an email response and I will be sure to leave you off any future outreach.

From: Hedy

Heather, I have just seen your story on the CI channel and I just had to contact you. Firstly as a mother whose son has Muscular Dystrophy and is heading for a wheelchair life as an adult. Secondly as a nurse who worked in a spinal injuries unit many years ago but the wonderful people I nursed will stay with me forever and I still think of them 30 years later. You prove that love conquers all, even through the darkest times. And I know they can be dark, but filling hearts and souls with love, support and kindness overcomes all. You are an inspiration. I wish you everything you would wish for yourself and your family May God bless and keep you kindest regards,
Hedy
London, UK

From: April

My name is April. I'm 20 years old and at 14 I suffered a C3, C4, and C5 spinal cord injury as the result of a ATV rollover. I'm still considered a quad but I'm able to move my arms, my right hand and movement in my legs. I've learned to take my spasticity and use it to my advantage to make my limbs move. I'd like to see if it's okay to share your story on my website. It's been six years but I'm starting to write a book about my experience with my injury. I'd love to get your permission and get to talk to you too.

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How You Can Help

Heather Grossman's ex-husband hired a man to kill her in 1997. He was not successful in his attempt to take her life, but the gunshot wound left Heather paralyzed from the neck down. Heather was just 31 years old with three young children. During the years since the incident, Heather's family has been doing everything they can to keep her alive and well, but expenses are high, and they need as much help as they can get.

Since Heather's new website launched on September 21 with the Paypal Donation Options, Heather's family has received donations from quite a few generous people. Please take a moment to see who has donated to Heather's family so far.

My Story

I’m a mother, mentor and a survivor of domestic violence. Ten years ago domestic violence forever changed my life and the lives of my family. As the bullet penetrated my spinal cord, it shattered many hopes, dreams and my ability to function as I once did but it did not destroy me or my will to live. Ten years ago my ex-husband, Ron Samuels, hired men to murder me. I died at the scene of the crime but was brought back to life by a paramedic.