197. Cherry Fargo: A Grandmother's Courage Leads to a Survivor's Strength

Childhood sexual abuse leaves wounds that often extend far beyond the abuse itself. It can shape a person's identity, relationships, sense of worth, and even their understanding of faith, trust, and safety. Yet, as difficult as the healing journey may be, recovery is possible. In Episode 197, Cherry Fargo shares her remarkable story of surviving years of childhood sexual abuse, emotional manipulation, and family trauma. She opens up about the pivotal role her grandmother played in protecting her, the complicated emotions surrounding her mother's response, the devastating losses she experienced later in life, and the long road that eventually led her to healing. Along the way, Cherry offers honest insight into the realities of trauma, the importance of supportive community, and the intentional work required to move beyond survival. Today, Cherry is an author, coach, and passionate advocate for survivors of childhood abuse. Her practical approach to healing encourages survivors to recognize the past without remaining trapped by it, rediscover their true identity, and move forward with purpose and hope. Whether you're a survivor yourself, love someone who is, or simply want to better understand the lifelong impact of childhood trauma, this conversation offers compassion, wisdom, and encouragement that you won't soon forget. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! One of the most critical links below that I hope you'll take advantage of is the upcoming free coaching workshop that Cherry is presenting next month! — Thank you!! Overcoming Shame, Finding Freedom: (Cherry's book, available on Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGL9TC9C Being Remade - Website https://beingremade.org Coaching: Upcoming FREE workshop Aug 12th - 15: Move Forward Challenge https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/223170 Upcoming Fall Online Group Coaching Cohort: Traumas to Transformations https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/219433 FREE 20 minute Heart to Heart Call, From One Survivor to Another https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/184458 https://1in6.org/ https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com www.arcigrey.com https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in. -Dave