By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Being raped is traumatic enough. But making it through a grueling trial can be difficult as well. The victims of rape need to have their family and friends by their side to help them through it. That can be expensive, especially if the trial is taking place in another city. Since 2003, a foundation created by a Lewiston couple is assisting families of rape victims with their transportation and lodging costs.
In September 1999, Tom and Stacey Branchini of Lewiston drove their daughter, Alexa, to Boston University to begin her freshman year. Ten days later, Alexa was raped. Her attacker was immediately apprehended. Fortunately, Tom and Stacey were in a financial position to be able to be with Alexa for the trial in Boston. But that's not always true for others. So, the Branchini's created the "It Happened to Alexa Foundation" to help.
Stacey Branchini joined Mark Scott on the phone to talk about the foundation and this Saturday's annual fundraising dinner. Click the "listen" icon above to hear the interview now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
Film-maker and sexual assault survivor Angela Shelton is the keynote speaker at the dinner. It takes place Saturday, May 20, 2006, at 6:00pm at the Statler Towers Golden Ballroom in downtowen Buffalo. For ticket information, call 1-877-77ALEXA, or go online at www.ithappenedtoalexa.org.