Survivor inspired to start bike run to prevent abuse

A young rape and incest survivor from Robbinston is being called inspiring, brave and unselfish for her efforts to provide the support needed by others who have been harmed by sexual abuse.
Kayla Garriott, 22, who was sexually abused by her biological father for seven years, has invited drivers and riders of motorcycles and other wheeled vehicles to participate in the inaugural Riding For A Voice bike run on Saturday, August 27, to raise funds for Breathe the AIR (Abuse, Incest, Rape). The young woman is trying to raise money that will allow her to reach as many sexually abused victims and survivors as possible to let them know that they are not alone and that help is available.
"The biker's ride was mostly mom's idea," says Garriott. "I grew up around motorcycles, and there are plenty of people who ride."
The Riding For A Voice run leaves Karen's Diner in Calais at 8:30 a.m. and proceeds to Cohill's Inn in Lubec and then ends at the Eastport Chowder House for a biker barbecue.
Garriott, who is currently enrolled in an occupational therapist program at Quinnipiac College in Connecticut, was sexually abused by her father from age 10 to 17. "My parents separated at that time, and on weekends I'd visit with dad. The abuse started with oral sex. It wasn't every time, but whenever he felt like it."
The night of her junior prom became a nightmare for Garriott. "He tried to rape me in the hotel room, and the first penetration was that night."
Although she couldn't find the strength to verbally ask for help, Garriott had been writing about her father's manipulation and control, and the notes were discovered by her mother and aunt who contacted the police.
"My father was down in Florida, but a phone conversation I had over the phone was recorded, and he was arrested when he got back," says Garriott.
The court process took three years, but her father was convicted of 18 counts of gross sexual assault and sentenced to 12 years in prison with 10 years of probation.
"I began thinking of creating my own organization last year," says Garriott of Breathe the AIR. "It was only recently that it got status for fundraising."
Garriott has become a certified domestic violence counselor and has spoken to students at her college, Calais High School and Woodland High School, as well as to police recruits. "I want to launch an educational campaign and branch out into elementary and middle schools," she stresses. "I want people to know that I'm a survivor, and my life is awesome and rewarding."
"The Downeast area is a small community, and people are afraid to step forward to speak about sexual abuse, but I'm here to tell them to make that leap of faith."