Written by: Joan Cantu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In a world filled with hardships and challenges, few stories are as inspiring as that of Joan Cantu. From a painful childhood marred by abandonment and abuse to a life filled with hope, resilience, and eventual triumph, her journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit. In this gripping account, we delve into the depths of her past and witness the incredible strength that propelled her towards a brighter future.
Early struggles and desolation
Joan's life began with unimaginable hardships. Abandoned at the tender age of five, she found herself fending for survival on the harsh streets at just six years old. The ensuing year brought homelessness, leaving her vulnerable and exposed to the perils of the world. But little did she know, this was just the beginning of her arduous battle.
The darkness within
The next chapter of Joan's life was plagued by six years of physical abuse that took a toll on her spirit. At the age of 13, Joan reached a breaking point and attempted to take her own life. Miraculously, a defibrillator brought her back from the brink of death, offering her a second chance at life. This near-death experience served as a wake-up call, prompting Joan to reevaluate her circumstances and seek a path towards healing and recovery.
Trading one prison for another
At the age of 14, Joan’s made a desperate decision to sell herself to someone who promised her a chance at a better life as a live-in housemaid in the city. However, her new boss proved to be just as dangerous as her previous abuser, attempting to molest and rape her for years. But through sheer determination and the belief that someone was watching over her, she escaped the clutches of her tormentor time and time again.
Breaking free and seeking redemption
Locked in the house alone while her bosses were away, Joan’s found the strength to take matters into her own hands. After enduring three long years, she summoned the courage to confront her captors, pleading with them to release her. With a newfound resilience, she embarked on a life-altering journey that took her from the confines of her nightmare to the open seas.
A path to healing and discovery
Boarding a cruise ship with only a ticket and a glimmer of hope, Joan’s found herself at a pivotal crossroads. With determination in her heart, she made her way to a nearby church, seeking solace and guidance. It was there that she encountered a kind soul who offered her a lifeline—an opportunity to start anew.
Finding strength in unexpected places
Under the care of her new boss, Joan’s experienced a year of stability and support, a stark contrast to the turmoil she had endured for so long. This period allowed her to rebuild her shattered self-esteem and regain a sense of trust in others. However, her journey was far from over.
The unveiling of a mother's love
Driven by an unrelenting desire to reconnect with her roots, Joan’s embarked on a quest to find her long-lost mother. Her search took her through countless obstacles and heart-wrenching moments, but her determination never wavered. Finally, after years of searching, she was reunited with her mother, an emotional reunion that brought both closure and a new chapter of healing.
Surviving unimaginable circumstances can often leave us questioning our own strength and resilience. Such was the case for Joan’s when she met her mother for the first time at the age of eighteen, after her mother had left Joan and her brother at age five and three. Her expectations of what a mother should be were shattered, and she was left to navigate life's challenges on her own.
Joan’s continued story
In my early 20s, driven by a desire to support my family, I made the decision to leave my country and embark on a journey to China. I was hired to assist English teachers in teaching students, hoping that this opportunity would provide financial stability for my loved ones. Little did I know that this decision would lead me down a dark and treacherous path.
As fate would have it, I found myself trapped in an apartment on the 27th floor, forced into a life of sexual slavery. The threat of death loomed over me, with the ultimatum of compliance or a fatal fall from the twenty-seventh floor balcony. Each day brought unimaginable horror, but I clung to the hope of survival.
One fateful day, the suspect who held me captive returned to the apartment. He headed straight for the bathroom, engrossed in a phone call, and forgot to lock the door behind him. Memories of his previous attempt to strangle me flooded my mind, and I believed he had come back to finish what he had started. In that moment, a surge of adrenaline propelled me to make a life-saving decision.
With every ounce of strength I possessed, I fled for my life, racing towards the elevator. I pounded the button to close the doors, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. As the doors finally shut, I descended to the first floor, my heart pounding in my chest. I hastily hailed a passing taxi, desperate to escape the clutches of my captor.
To my horror, the suspect caught up to me and managed to enter the taxi, taking a seat next to the driver. My shock quickly transformed into a determination to survive. Realizing we were now in a public space, I summoned the strength within me and raised my voice, threatening to call the police if he didn't leave immediately. I repeated my demand three times, my resolve unyielding. Finally, he relented, and I was left alone in the taxi, shaking but filled with a newfound sense of empowerment.
With nothing but a suitcase and my passport, I directed the taxi driver to take me to a nearby hotel. As I stepped into the lobby, a wave of relief washed over me. I couldn't believe that I had made it out alive. How had I survived such a harrowing ordeal?
Reflection
Gratitude consumed me as I settled into the safety of the hotel room. The weight of what I had endured began to sink in, and I couldn't help but reflect on the series of events that had led me to this moment. It was as if a higher power had guided me through the darkness, granting me the strength and courage to escape the clutches of my captor.
In the aftermath of my escape, I found myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Fear and pain were intertwined with a newfound sense of resilience. I had faced the darkest corners of humanity and emerged with an unwavering spirit. The scars on my neck served as a constant reminder of the strength I had found within myself.
Desire to advocate
As I rebuilt my life in the wake of this unimaginable experience, I couldn't help but think about the countless others who may still be trapped in similar situations. My own journey had illuminated the hidden horrors that lurked beneath the surface, and I felt a burning desire to advocate for those who had yet to find their freedom.
Through therapy and support from loved ones, I began to heal. I realized that my survival was not just a stroke of luck, but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. I vowed to use my own story as a catalyst for change, raising awareness about the issue of human trafficking and advocating for stronger measures to combat this heinous crime.
My big goals
In the years to come, I want to become involved in organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating DV survivors, survivors of human trafficking, and to become children advocate. To share my story at conferences, and wherever I could, hoping to shed light on the harsh realities faced by so many. It is my way of turning my pain into purpose, ensuring that no one else would have to endure the horrors I had experienced.
Surviving such a traumatic experience had transformed me. It had shown me the depths of human cruelty but also the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Through it all, I had learned the importance of resilience, gratitude, and the power of raising one's voice in the face of adversity.
As I continue on my journey of healing and advocacy, I am reminded of the countless others who may still be trapped in the darkness. It is my hope that my story will inspire others to take action, to stand up against injustice, and to offer support and compassion to those who have survived unimaginable circumstances.
To this day, I carry the weight of my past with me, but it no longer defines me. It serves as a reminder of my strength and resilience, and it fuels my determination to make a difference in the lives of others. My journey has taught me that survival is not just about escaping physical captivity but also about reclaiming one's power and finding healing from within.
While my past will always be a part of me, I refuse to let it define my future. I am determined to live a life filled with purpose and compassion. I strive to be a beacon of hope for those who are still trapped, showing them that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that they, too, can reclaim their lives.
Conclusion
Joan's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing the resilience and strength that lies within us all. Through unimaginable adversity, she not only survived but thrived, emerging as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her experiences have shaped her into a remarkable individual, armed with a voice that empowers others to overcome their own struggles.
As we reflect on Joan's journey, we are reminded of the importance of resilience, self-trust, and gratitude. Her story serves as a reminder that despite the darkest of circumstances, there is always a glimmer of hope. It is through the pursuit of happiness, freedom, and love that we find the true meaning of life.
Joan’s journey is far from over, and undoubtedly, there are more challenges and triumphs awaiting her. But her unwavering spirit and unwavering determination serve as a testament to the strength of the human soul. In sharing her story, she invites us all to embrace our own resilience and to never lose sight of the power we possess to rise above adversity.
Joan is currently focused on completing her book and has set a goal to have it published by the year 2024. She is dedicated to the writing process and is determined to see her work come to fruition within the next few years.
Joan Cantu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
My life started very chaotic at very young age. The massacre of her great grandparents and their children. Her dad never found, her mom abandoned them. To then abused, sexual, physical mental and emotional. Homeless at age 6-7 and tortured at age 7-13, she nearly killed herself, defibrillator brought her back to life. She felt she was never good enough to anyone. She have spent over 10 years of healing. Now, she has helped many clients reconnect to their truest selves that promote self-love, and conquer their fears. From victim to victor. She is the owner of Joan Cantu Coaching. Her mission: Broken owned no one.
