Profile Gina Wright-Ledet - a young birthmother making a difference - Page 2
"PROFILE: GINA DRAPER" > Page
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2And the winner is..."In the Education Category..... Gina Wright-Ledet!"
My jaw drops. I can't believe I have actually won! I stand on shaky knees and walk up to get my award. It isn't until I am up there that I actually see the dollar amount on the cardboard check. $1000.00! My throat tightens and I am fighting back tears. All that runs through my head is "MAN! There is so much the Program could do with a thousand bucks!"
The pictures are taken and I return to my seat. I accept a slightly teary hug from Juanita. My mom is doing the proud smile. Her eyes are a bit red. The weight of the marble and crystal flame I hold in my hands could not hold down my soaring spirit.
l-r: Juanita, Gina, Gina's mom
celebrating the moment at the awards ceremony.It is a heady feeling, this recognition from the community. But it all comes back to the fact that even without the applause and the trophy, I know I am doing something for my community. To be able to reach the next generation, to inform kids of some of the consequences of their actions, and to know they listen to me because I speak from experience, is reward enough for me. To be able to reach one young girl, and knowthat she will make choices in her life so that she will never put herself in the position where she has to make the type of decisions I made. That makes what I have gone through worth every tear.
- Gina Wright-Ledet
Gina celebrates at home with her award and her Cocker Spaniel, Chance.
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive from visitors to the site is, "What can I do?" I think we can all take a lesson from Gina. She uses her own experience and her local resources to make a difference.
If you or someone you know, who is a member of our community here, makes a difference, please
email me and tell me about it. You - or the person you recommend - could be our next Profile!
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- Adoption Advocacy and Reform
The issues, local, national and international organizations, and information for those interested in advocacy and activism. - Gina's Homepage
Meet Gina and learn more about her, her adoption, and her work with others. - Real People: Birthmothers
Gina shared her story as part of a feature about diverse birthmother experiences.
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