Silent No More
Page 20
Despite the unwavering support of his mother and my counseling, justice for Aaron, and for the other victims who then garnered the courage to come forward as Aaron led the way, would not have happened if not for Aaron’s tenacity and strength. If not for Aaron, Jerry Sandusky might still be in the Happy Valley plucking small boys from his stable of potential victims at the Second Mile, just as a sadist plucks the wings from butterflies. In my heart, I know that if Aaron’s had been the only case for which Sandusky was found guilty, Sandusky would have received a slap on the wrist, perhaps given a five-year sentence with probation and issued a restraining order mandating that he stay away from children—and I am convinced that he still would have carried on the abuse under the radar. I also know that if Aaron’s had been the only case and had he not been the incentive for the other victims to come forward, a “lack of evidence” would have prevailed, since one small boy against the likes of Sandusky would not have been enough.
But Aaron did come forward, and he never gave up until Sandusky’s fate was sealed. Although he refutes the moniker, Aaron is most certainly a hero.
Acknowledgments
Although we wish that this book never had to be written, it did, and there are many people to thank. In order of appearance:
Our deep appreciation to Children and Youth Services: Clinton County Director Gerald Rosamilia, Assistant Director Jennifer Sobjak, Intake Officer Jessica Dershem, and Clinton County Commissioner Joel Long.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to those in the State of Pennsylvania’s Attorney General’s Office: Attorney General Linda Kelly, Senior Deputy Attorney General Jonelle Eshbach, and Agent Anthony Sassano. Our thanks also to Pennsylvania State Trooper Corporal Scott Rossman and countless other agents and troopers who assisted with the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Our gratitude to RoseMarie Terenzio at RMT PR Management for believing in the importance of this story, bringing this project to light, and getting the word out there on our behalf; to our literary agent, Steve Troha at Folio Literary Management, for believing in us and in this book, and for handling the topic with sensitivity; to Steve’s assistant, Nikki Thean, who skillfully helped us to write the proposal; and to Santina Leuci at ABC.
Thanks to literary agent Marcy Posner at Folio, who brought us to our professional writer, Stephanie Gertler, whose exceptional abilities to accurately perceive and convey our thoughts and feelings proved invaluable.
Thank you to the people at Ballantine Books: Gina Centrello, president and publisher, The Random House Publishing Group; Elizabeth McGuire, publisher of Ballantine Bantam Dell; Susan Corcoran, director of publicity, Ballantine Bantam Dell; our tireless, ardent, and dedicated editor, Mark Tavani; and everyone at Ballantine in design, promotion, and sales who made this book a reality.
And finally, we are eternally indebted and grateful to Deputy Attorney General Joe McGettigan for fighting to the finish—and winning.
Dawn thanks those who supported her throughout and after this ordeal: her friends Jessica Heichel, Kathy Marr, Maryanne and Ralph Bergin, Erin Rutt Winslow; her parents, Donald and Sandy Fisher; her sister, Sheila Herman; and her fiancé, Steve Hennessey.
Aaron thanks his mother, Dawn Daniels, for her love and support; his former coach, Thom Hunter; and above all Mike Gillum, who saw him through the darkest days and brought him into the light.
Mike is grateful to his late parents, Dorothy Ann Gillum and Charles L. Gillum; his late sister, Susan Werth; and his late brother, Dr. Harold Gillum, who are all forever in his heart. He also thanks his sister, Jamie Hildreth, and brother, Dr. Charlie Gillum, for being there; his son, Austin, and daughter, Chloe, for all the time they allowed Mike to spend away from them; and his wife, Tina, for understanding once the story was revealed. Mike thanks Peter S. Pelullo at LGLPCI Foundation, who called at just the right time and gave faith in going forward. He is also grateful to his dear friend Adam Sedlock, who always stood by with compassion; the staff at the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, particularly Sam Knapp and Marti Evans, for their support and assistance; and his private office manager, Amy Woodley, for her endless transcriptions.
Aaron, Dawn, and Mike also thank those who sent cards and letters of support and, of course, the young men who had the courage to come forward in spite of their pain.
About the Authors
AARON FISHER plans to attend college after high school and someday become a Pennsylvania state trooper. Along with Mike Gillum, Aaron intends to tour various schools on behalf of the Let Go … Let Peace Come In Foundation, helping to educate children, teachers, and parents about the nature of child sexual abuse and its prevention. He lives in Pennsylvania.
MICHAEL GILLUM, M.A., is a licensed psychologist and a specialist in child abuse, sexual abuse, and other criminal behavior. The recipient of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association’s 2012 Psychology in the Media Award, he offers his expertise as a consultant throughout the state for law enforcement, county courts, school districts, and human service agencies, including Children and Youth Services. He is on the board of directors of the Let Go … Let Peace Come In Foundation, which supports victims of child sexual abuse. He lives with his wife and children in Pennsylvania.
DAWN DANIELS is a fundraiser in her school district, working with local sports teams and cheerleading squads. She lives in Pennsylvania with her three children.