Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 3011

Tonight's special guest will be Wilsdaryon (Wil) Presche from Houston, Texas, a survivor of child abuse and trauma. At seven years old he was placed into the foster care system due to trauma and abuse. He spent the next few years bouncing from foster home to foster home. Then, at twelve, Wil was placed with loving people who would eventually become his adoptive family. As Wil grew older, he developed a yearning to help individuals who have been in similar situations. He understood how navigating the foster system could be very challenging and that many were not as fortunate as he had been. Out of the deep, murky waters of neglect and abuse, Wil had used the power of music to find strength and heal, and to overcame the odds stacked firmly against him. In his book, 'This is Me Trying: Navigating Through A Lifetime of Trauma',  he tells the story of a boy who has blossomed into the man he knew he could be, despite the darkness that engulfed him throughout his childhood and adolescence. Through the power of music, Wil was able to discover himself after losing touch with who he really was. With this newfound soundtrack of life, he was able to rise from the darkness and turn experiences that were once chaotic and traumatic into something beautiful. Wil has blossomed by overcoming various forms of abuse, coping mechanisms, and stigmas. Wil has spent the last four years studying mental health and substance abuse issues while working with at-risk youth in multiple organizations. During this time, he realized the effects of music therapy on a person's soul and emotional well-being; he is continuing his education to fulfill his dream of becoming a therapist. He hopes to share his experiences with others to show that something good can come out of an unfortunate situation out of his control.