It was said to be one of the most dreadful cases of abuse to a child. I am Armond the 13 year old male survivor of the darkest, most disturbing violations and experiences imaginable. Take a chilling look into my early childhood that was filled with sadness, nightmares and terror. Sense my unforgettable shame, feel the excruciating pain given by one’s own parents. These repulsive crimes are so hideous at times may throw you off guard. Witness first hand the effects abuse and neglect have on a child’s mind, body and spirit. My compelling passionately honest tail will shock you. Now imagine, overcoming all those odds and learning to forgive and embrace that past. You will be inspired by my harrowing true story of survival.
I am 13 years old, I wrote this entirely on my own - this is my first book. I felt impelled to put my thoughts into words.
New book by 13-year-old author tells the story of extreme child abuse and survival. Armond DeGasperis speaks up to protect other children from the horrors of childhood trauma and abuse.
An innocent child, the product of two completely self-destructive people, born into a life of abuse and total dysfunction. Meet the 13-year-old survivor of excruciating pain and total victimization. This book is a symbolic release of accumulated weight carried from a painful past. In coming forward, the hope is to derive something positive from something so painful for the author. Reaching out- beyond oneself as nothing more than a survivor to help raise awareness for all abused and neglected children.
Excerpt
I always found Mozart very uplifting. He had a very difficult life, as did I. He was an amazing composer and accomplished so much at such a young age. His music gave me a sense of wholeness within myself it transformed and uplifted me – physical, emotional, mentally and energetically. He inspired me - his music is astonishingly happy and full of hidden complexities. It’s simplicity and beauty on the surface, and complexity and optimistic at deeper levels - I can just relate to that.
Professional Reviews
Foster Care in America
August 2010 Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Armond DeGasperis
August 1, 2010
August feature comes to us from Michigan. Over the last two years, we have had the honor of sharing some truly inspirational former foster care alumni with you. Our August feature marks the first time we have had a minor share the details of an experience in foster care. Welcome Armond, he is 13 years old and has just published his first book and his mom shared that he did it almost completely on his own (99% of the work by himself).
Forein Policy Assciation
Child Abuse Survivor Turned Activist Empowers and Inspires
By Cassandra Clifford
Wednesday, October 27 12:20 am EST
So often we look at children and all we see is untouched innocence, and in reality that is what we should see. Sadly however as seen in my recent post on the report; Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in the U.S. ,some 12,180 children died as a result of child abuse and, or, neglect from 2001-2008. Countless others go unreported, children often survive the horrendous trials of abuse and are left at risk for other abuses including sex trafficking. Amazingly many others survive the horrors of abuse and become the voice and inspiration for so many other that were rendered voiceless by their abusers. Children who’s courage and strength inspire and empower, children like 13 year-old Armond DeGasperis.
I stumbled across an interview of Armond, who has a just published his book, The End is the Beginning, Armond has left behind his painful past and has moved on to live a healthy, normal ‘All American’ life with his adopted parents and siblings.
New Blaze Newpaper
3-Year-Old Armond DeGasperis Tells about Child Abuse and Healing
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By Ernest Dempsey
Being abused by one's immediate family is a traumatic experience, sometimes leading to lifelong psychological issues. But some kids have a great healing potential and 13-year-old Armond DeGasperis is one of them. Having just published his book The End is the Beginning, Armond has left behind his painful past and has moved on to live a healthy, normal life with his adopted parents. At 13, he is one of the youngest of authors and his story carries the purpose of creating awareness against child abuse in America and beyond. Given below is my e-interview with this gifted person.
