Happy Birthday Shannon McNamara!
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Today is June 21st, 2021.
This date holds a monumental amount of significance for us here at Girls Fight Back.
Today is Shannon McNamara's birthday!
Shannon is the inspiration behind Girls Fight Back and today marks our 20-year anniversary.
Today I want to highlight and celebrate Shannon's life and legacy and to do that I must share the significance of her story.
20 years ago this month, Shannon McNamara was taken from this world just days before her birthday due to an unspeakable act of violence. Shannon's friend and sorority sister, Erin Weed, founded Girls Fight Back in response to Shannon's death and in recognition of her fighting spirit. Because Shannon fought back so fiercely, enough evidence was found to arrest and prosecute her murderer.
Girls Fight Back (GFB) is about teaching women and girls everywhere how to be their own best protector so that they don't have to walk through the world in fear.
Because of Shannon, we have empowered over 1 MILLION people around the world with personal safety education. I consider it an honor to have taken over the mission last year to continue this work in remembrance of Shannon.
Our message is simple: You are worth fighting for!
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How has GFB impacted your life?
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Would you like to share what GFB means to you, what you've learned or how it has impacted your life?
Head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages to leave a comment, thought or message with your experience!
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A word from Cindy McNamara:
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Here is a word from Shannon's mom, Cindy McNamara:
"For twenty years you were out of my sight but never out of my heart. Girls Fight Back isn't your only legacy; it's your kind and compassionate heart for others too. I'm so proud and honored to be the one that God chose to raise and love you.
You are my light in my darkest moments, you are my warrior and hero who chose to give her life so others could live, thus starting GFB!
God's promise to me is that someday we all will join you in Paradise (Heaven). My faith is strong. Happy heavenly birthday my sweet angel.
Huge heartfelt gratitude and love to the one that started GFB, Erin Weed and the strong and amazing women Nicole and Gina who continue to carry this torch of teaching women, men and children that they are worth fighting for!! God bless those who continue to support this amazing mission ❤️"
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Honoring Shannon's Memory
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Girls Fight Back is dedicated to honoring Shannon's memory. With each woman and girl we teach who realizes they don't have to live in fear, that they have options, and that they are capable of defending themselves, Shannon's powerful, warrior spirit lives on.
We have moved into additional areas of violence prevention education, trained diverse audiences, and empowered people of all genders.
I have dedicated my life to teaching people self-defense skills that could not only save their lives, but also help them open up their world and live without limits.
Shannon's mother, Cindy McNamara says:
"It's gone beyond Erin and Shannon. Girls Fight Back is what every woman needs for protection."
People around the world are safer because of Girls Fight Back training.
THAT is Shannon's legacy.
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Although Shannon and I never met, I felt compelled to write a letter to her for her birthday. I'd like to share it with her mom Cindy, her family, and everyone who loved her. I am deeply sorry for your loss but also filled with immense gratitude that Shannon brought us all together.
Dear Shannon,
My name is Nicole and--even though we never met--I wanted to tell you how brave and courageous you are. You have inspired me more than you can know. I've heard so much about you from your family and friends, and I wish I would have had the chance to know you... I think we would have been fast friends! I'm told you were strong, athletic, compassionate, friendly, a fighter, and... didn't like being the center of attention!
Well, I hope this can be an exception, because you have helped empower a generation of women to unleash their inner badass and live their lives without fear. You are the reason that millions of people are now equipped to defend themselves and speak up for themselves. Because of you, thousands of organizations around the world have heard your story of strength and fortitude and now have the confidence to walk with their heads held high. Your story and fighting spirit have been a catalyst for change over the last 20 years.
Girls Fight Back has been entrusted to me and I am going to care for it, nurture it, protect it, and continue to spread the message that we are each worth fighting for. Your mom says that you would be proud of how I'm expanding the program, and hearing that touches my heart immensely. Her words, support and love mean the world to me and her love for you shines through.
I hope that I continue to make you proud. I promise that I will continue the work Erin started to end violence and empower people to protect themselves. As long as GFB is in my hands, no one will forget your name.
Rest peacefully and powerfully, Shannon. Happy Birthday!
With a loving heart,
Nicole
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Thank you to everyone who supports Girls Fight Back and our mission!
If you are interested in learning more or bringing our program to your group, campus or organization, please send us a message.
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