Aly Raisman is a champion. And a survivor. And she knows it takes a village to heal.
The gymnast, an Olympic medalist, is used to performing at the highest level, both physically and mentally. She retired from the sport with six Olympic medals and five World Championship medals in 2020, but then faced challenges off the mat. She was among the brave women who testified before the Senate about the failed case against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexually abusing athletes. She has spoken out about her mental health struggles and abuse at the hands of Nassar, and has become an activist and mental health advocate. In 2024, she wrote a children's book called From Head to Toe, which aims to teach children about bodily consent.
It is clear that her desire to become a champion has not faded. She will be honored Purina Purple Leash Project for her advocacy efforts in Diversity“Power of Women” event on October 29.
The Purina Purple Leash Project helps create pet-friendly shelters for victims of domestic violence, ensuring they can keep their beloved pets with them and receive care in a pet-friendly environment.
Raisman knows how much a furry friend can help survivors and people struggling with mental health issues.
“It’s hard to put into words how much my dog Milo means to me and how much love he brings into my life,” she says of her four-legged companion, who is almost always by her side. She praises the unconditional love she receives from Milo and how he has changed her view of the world. “No matter how many times I throw him a ball, he could do it all day, every day, and every time he sees it, it's like the first time he sees it, or the first time he experiences it. And it's really helped me in my personal healing journey, remembering how I find moments of magic.”
“One of my favorite quotes is: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
She has been a fan of the Purple Leash Project for some time. “I really appreciate and admire this work and their mission. Until Purple Leash told me that less than 20% of domestic violence shelters in the US accept pets, and Purina is working hard to change that,” she notes.
Raisman says what's even more devastating is that 48% of survivors actually put off leaving abusive situations because they can't take their pets with them. “And more than 70% of women in domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet as a means of control,” she adds. “I can't stress enough how important the work that Purple Leash and Purina do is because it truly saves lives. It saves pets' lives, too.”
Raisman emphasizes that many people suffer in silence, but there is help and hope for them.
“The path to healing is definitely not a one-size-fits-all, and unfortunately, finding a support system can be very difficult. And what I've learned from speaking at colleges across the country and meeting people, whether at the grocery store or at the airport, is that there are many more people who have been abused than we think.”
Raisman also understands that finding support—whether it's coming from a friend or finding a therapist—can be challenging and make it difficult to try to get help.
“If there's a survivor reading this, I want them to know that there is hope, there is help,” she says. “I think what's really helped me is remembering that I won't feel this way forever. So on the days when I'm suffering the most, I remind myself that it's a bad day. It will pass and I won't feel this way forever. But there is help, and there are really great people who really care.”
Raisman did score a touchdown.
