Angela presented her message at our middle school and we received outstanding feedback from students and staff. At first, I was unsure of the appropriateness of the message with middle school age students, but I was pleasantly surprised. Angela edited her message based on the ages of the students. Her powerful story grabs the students attention and paves the way into her tips for personal safety. Her message is very interactive with the students and allows for them to ask questions. Our students will greatly benefit from "The Fight Back Project". Angela is a very skilled speaker with passion and knowledge in helping to keep our students safe.
John Droubie
Dean of Students, Isanti Middle School/Minnesota Center
*******
I knew of Angela Champagne-From nearly a year before I had a chance to even talk with her. The day she was attacked in a downtown Minneapolis parking ramp, I was the WCCO reporter assigned to find out what happened. As I anticipated, she had been through more than most of us can imagine and her mom told me she wasn’t ready to talk. So I left my card not expecting to hear back.
To my surprise, Angela called me about 10 months later. She was ready to tell her story and she had a message she wanted other young women to hear. What was even more surprising was how strong Angela sounded.
That perception carried through when we sat down and talked with Angela and her husband, Adam. She held nothing back when telling us about the day that changed her life, and my photographer and I left their house in a state of disbelief. We could not believe what Angela had gone through, but even more astonishing was how she had fought off her attacker and then willed herself to a safe place despite life-threatening injuries.
When Angela’s story aired it received an overwhelming response. It was a true story of survival, inspiration, and redemption. Later, our website was flooded with people wanting to read and watch how Angela [“fought back”] and how she is now sharing that inspirational message with other young women. I’m grateful, honored, and humbled that she allowed us to tell her story. At WCCO, we’ve covered a lot of stories that open your eyes but this one definitely ranks near the top. Give her a listen and you’ll see for yourself.
John Lauritsen
WCCO
*******
From the time I met Angela, I knew that she and I would work together to make the world a better place and to change lives. Angela is deeply committed to the inspirational and essential message she brings to women of all ages. She has an amazing ability to pass along a dynamic story that mesmerizes people while at the same time forcing those around her to take action to become the best and most courageous versions of themselves. I'm so proud to be a friend and a fellow supporter. If you take action to support the FIGHT BACK PROJECT, you will personally inspire many generations of women to do more and be more. It's a thrilling mission.
Anne Yatch
Sealed Mindset
*******
After your attack, I imagine that no one would have been surprised had you simply given up, and resigned yourself to victim-hood. But you didn't! You're STILL fighting back! You are turning around this adversity and using it as a force for good. That shows amazing courage and grit. You are a great role model, especially for young women.
Father
Saw Angela's Story on KSTP
*******
The ability you’ve shown to turn tragedy into triumph is not only a testimony of the miraculous but also your character. I know the road of healing has not been easy for you. You had much physical, emotional pain, and sacrifice to endure. I also imagine that you’re still healing from that experience in some ways. But I want to encourage you in saying there’s so much good that has entered the world from your sacrifice. [You have] the potential of not only empowering women, but changing our culture’s view in how we view women’s abilities. As you continue to serve with compassion and humility, your mission will take fight in ways you’d never imagine.
Husband
Attended An Event
*******
I thought your presentation was good for the students to hear. The reality of how dangerous the world is often only sinks in after it is too late. The audio and video clips, photographs, and information slides in your presentation were extremely poignant, relevant, and powerful. I was very impressed by how professionally your carried yourself while speaking about something so personal and traumatic. I have no words to convey my awe at your utter lack of bitterness, cynicism, or rage regarding your case and the US Justice System.
I grieve and hate that this happened to you. I hope you recover completely from your PTSD, and I hope you are kind to yourself throughout the process. You have my every sympathy and, if it is inoffensive to you, prayer. I hope you are proud of how far you have come since the attack. You and your supporters are to be congratulated. Congratulations on your fighter's spirit, your marriage, your furry running companion Coach, your willingness to leave the house, return to work and to take care of yourself, dealing with the court system, and your bravery in sharing your story.
You are a true warrior.
Respectfully yours,
Survivor of child sexual abuse, neglect, and rape
*******
Angela came and talked to HOSA at the fall delegates. It was the most inspiring story. Angela is the sweetest lady and the strongest person i have ever met. I had the honor to talk to her after her story and i just bawled. Nobody should EVER go through this. We need to all raise awareness and stop this crime. Angela is so strong to come out and speak to others to help, i pray that this man gets help and wont be loose to hurt another person.
A. Moats
Student
John Droubie
Dean of Students, Isanti Middle School/Minnesota Center
*******
I knew of Angela Champagne-From nearly a year before I had a chance to even talk with her. The day she was attacked in a downtown Minneapolis parking ramp, I was the WCCO reporter assigned to find out what happened. As I anticipated, she had been through more than most of us can imagine and her mom told me she wasn’t ready to talk. So I left my card not expecting to hear back.
To my surprise, Angela called me about 10 months later. She was ready to tell her story and she had a message she wanted other young women to hear. What was even more surprising was how strong Angela sounded.
That perception carried through when we sat down and talked with Angela and her husband, Adam. She held nothing back when telling us about the day that changed her life, and my photographer and I left their house in a state of disbelief. We could not believe what Angela had gone through, but even more astonishing was how she had fought off her attacker and then willed herself to a safe place despite life-threatening injuries.
When Angela’s story aired it received an overwhelming response. It was a true story of survival, inspiration, and redemption. Later, our website was flooded with people wanting to read and watch how Angela [“fought back”] and how she is now sharing that inspirational message with other young women. I’m grateful, honored, and humbled that she allowed us to tell her story. At WCCO, we’ve covered a lot of stories that open your eyes but this one definitely ranks near the top. Give her a listen and you’ll see for yourself.
John Lauritsen
WCCO
*******
From the time I met Angela, I knew that she and I would work together to make the world a better place and to change lives. Angela is deeply committed to the inspirational and essential message she brings to women of all ages. She has an amazing ability to pass along a dynamic story that mesmerizes people while at the same time forcing those around her to take action to become the best and most courageous versions of themselves. I'm so proud to be a friend and a fellow supporter. If you take action to support the FIGHT BACK PROJECT, you will personally inspire many generations of women to do more and be more. It's a thrilling mission.
Anne Yatch
Sealed Mindset
*******
After your attack, I imagine that no one would have been surprised had you simply given up, and resigned yourself to victim-hood. But you didn't! You're STILL fighting back! You are turning around this adversity and using it as a force for good. That shows amazing courage and grit. You are a great role model, especially for young women.
Father
Saw Angela's Story on KSTP
*******
The ability you’ve shown to turn tragedy into triumph is not only a testimony of the miraculous but also your character. I know the road of healing has not been easy for you. You had much physical, emotional pain, and sacrifice to endure. I also imagine that you’re still healing from that experience in some ways. But I want to encourage you in saying there’s so much good that has entered the world from your sacrifice. [You have] the potential of not only empowering women, but changing our culture’s view in how we view women’s abilities. As you continue to serve with compassion and humility, your mission will take fight in ways you’d never imagine.
Husband
Attended An Event
*******
I thought your presentation was good for the students to hear. The reality of how dangerous the world is often only sinks in after it is too late. The audio and video clips, photographs, and information slides in your presentation were extremely poignant, relevant, and powerful. I was very impressed by how professionally your carried yourself while speaking about something so personal and traumatic. I have no words to convey my awe at your utter lack of bitterness, cynicism, or rage regarding your case and the US Justice System.
I grieve and hate that this happened to you. I hope you recover completely from your PTSD, and I hope you are kind to yourself throughout the process. You have my every sympathy and, if it is inoffensive to you, prayer. I hope you are proud of how far you have come since the attack. You and your supporters are to be congratulated. Congratulations on your fighter's spirit, your marriage, your furry running companion Coach, your willingness to leave the house, return to work and to take care of yourself, dealing with the court system, and your bravery in sharing your story.
You are a true warrior.
Respectfully yours,
Survivor of child sexual abuse, neglect, and rape
*******
Angela came and talked to HOSA at the fall delegates. It was the most inspiring story. Angela is the sweetest lady and the strongest person i have ever met. I had the honor to talk to her after her story and i just bawled. Nobody should EVER go through this. We need to all raise awareness and stop this crime. Angela is so strong to come out and speak to others to help, i pray that this man gets help and wont be loose to hurt another person.
A. Moats
Student