Hope has been the key to Catherine Bane’s healing journey as a military sexual assault survivor—both figuratively and literally.

Catherine joined the Army fresh out of high school in 2003, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father, and six of her brothers. She was excited about her new journey, which began as a chaplain’s assistant.

That joy and excitement was shattered by, not one, but two sexual assaults.

“Being sexually assaulted shook me to my core and for many years, changed the way I saw myself,” said Catherine.

Catherine loved serving in the Army. During her transition back to civilian life in 2007, she missed the camaraderie and the people, but above all, she missed herself.

For three years after leaving the Army, Catherine found it a challenge to get through life. She struggled as a wife, as a mom, and as a person. Then she turned to running. It didn’t erase her problems, but it brought her some semblance of peace and provided a serendipitous moment that helped her life improve.

While on a run at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Catherine was handed a flyer for the Run For The Warriors Jacksonville half-marathon. Catherine was inspired and decided to make the half-marathon the first real goal she set for herself since becoming a mom.

A month later, she crossed the finish line with her husband (a Marine veteran) and children by her side, cheering her on every step of the way. It was in that moment that her healing journey began.

Previously frustrated by the lack of resources and access to counseling as a veteran and mom of two young children, Catherine, while on her runner’s high, decided to choose courage and wrote an email to Hope For The Warriors, reaching out for support. Full of fear and instant regret upon pressing send due to the level of vulnerability she opened herself up to, the response she received not only changed her life but also the lives of her family.

That was 10 years ago, and she’s been thankful every day since she reached out to Hope For The Warriors because it brought hope to her life in more ways than one.

Through Hope For The Warriors, Catherine received the counseling support she needed, grew a stronger passion for running as a member of Team Hope For The Warriors, and found a support system for her and her family. Above all, she found the camaraderie in the staff, fellow veterans, and military families that she longed for after transitioning to civilian life.

Hope For The Warriors helps military sexual trauma (MST) survivors find HOPE. Whether the trauma happened at a duty station in the U.S. or while deployed, MST survivors can find support and healing in our programs and services by applying for services at  hopeforthewarriors.org.

“HOPE helped me find that [camaraderie] again,” said Catherine. “[Once again,] I’m part of a family willing to selflessly serve each other and others. It is no surprise with a staff filled with so many veterans, military spouses, and talented individuals using their gifts for a greater purpose of serving others. We have met the most heroic and amazing individuals who have taught my children there are not limitations to the human spirit.”

Catherine now feels that every day is a gift and an opportunity to grow as a person. She serves others as an advocate for those who are healing from the trauma of MST.

Catherine is currently pursing formal training through the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to volunteer locally in her Eastern North Carolina community and plans to continue her education in a social work graduate program.

Today, with HOPE as her platform, she shares a message of hope with those experiencing sexual assault or recovering from the trauma of it.

Her message is simple but powerful: “It is your journey, but you are not alone.”

“The battle is not an easy one, but the fight is worth it, because you are worth it,” said Catherine. “For many who have experienced MST, those words may be hard to read, let alone say. But it is the truth. Your value, your strength, and your dignity are there and have always been there. Trust, believe, and know that your past will only make you more resilient and stronger than you can imagine.”

“Do not lose hope. You can do this. I believe in you,” she said. “There are so many people in your life that see it in you. Now is your time, and you are worth it.”