Name: Martha Kennerson
Occupation: VP, Marketing and Outreach for AMERIGROUP Houston, Texas Plan
Years active: 15 years of diverse experience in managed care health plan operations.
Name of Book: Choices
What is the back story behind Choices?
The choices we make in life help determine who we are, unfortunately some choices are made for us and we’re forced to live with the consequences. Nearly four years ago, I was forced to share a secret that I had planned to take to my grave. When I was 19, I got my heart broken and instead of dealing with the pain of that loss, I tried to bury it and run from it.
I tried to mask the pain by partying; drinking and experimenting with drugs. One night I lost total control of myself and ended up putting my life and safety in the hands of a couple — yes, a man and a woman— I thought I could trust and they took advantage of my vulnerability; they raped me. I was so ashamed of what I had allowed to happen to me that I decided that I deserved what I got, and I just had to live with it and forget it ever happened.
However life and pain doesn’t work that way. With the help of some very good doctors, I was finally able to talk about what happened and work towards recovery. Now that I have, I’m thankful that my hand was forced, because it was their unconditional love and support that gave me the courage to continue sharing my experience.
How has the book helped you cope with your personal struggles?
Telling my story helps others from making the same mistakes. I will never get over what happened to me, but I did get through it. Some days are better than other,s and I’ve finally accepted that no matter how I may have acted or what I wore or how out of control I may have been, no one had the right to hurt me.
Tell us about RAINN and your affiliation with the organization?
My affiliation with RAINN [Rape Abuse & Incest National Network) has been an unforeseen blessing. As the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, RAINN offers a multitude of information [resources] and ways to seek help. In an effort to assist this worthy organization I will donate $1 from each book, eBook, hard copy and paperback version sold.
For more information please visit: www.marthakennerson.com www.facebook.com/KennersonBooks
