Images of the suffering, exploited, oppressed, and helpless are forever etched into my mind. Viewing animals imprisoned behind bars or glass, deprived of freedom and dependent on humans still makes me cry. But it has also motivated me to persevere in being a voice for those that cannot rally in defense of themselves, for those that are powerless and vulnerable, and for those whose eyes plead with me on a daily basis to continue the struggle. For without action there can be no progress.

Carmina Gooch