Alliree Gingerich
date of testimony: January 22th 2018
location of testimony: Lansing, Michigan
read by court official Ms Liddell
My name is Alliree Gingerich, and while I am unable to be there in person today, I felt it was important to tell my story.
Because of the assault I endured at the hands of Larry Nassar I am a different person entirely. The once smiley, bubbly, self-assured, independent woman I once was has been replaced by a cold, fearful, anxious, unsure person with distorted views on the world. I used to see the good in everyone. Now I see the worst even if it’s not there. I see what someone could do or could be capable of. This has affected every aspect of my life.
Taking a simple walk, which used to be calming, is now exhausting. I have to convince myself the entire time that each person I pass or see is not going to hurt me.
I trusted Larry Nassar as a person, and, more importantly, as a medical professional. My ability to trust anyone including myself is nonexistent. I went to Larry Nassar for back pain, severe back pain that eventually caused me to leave the sport of gymnastics. I went to Larry Nassar to be healed. Instead, over the course of my treatment I was sexually abused. If I had gotten the correct care, my back would be better now. Instead, I live with the pain every day.
I have sought counseling from a licensed professional. This in itself was extremely difficult. My therapist first had to meet me at church because I could not walk into a medical building. This took time away from my work and my life. My life was disrupted in every way possible. Not only did the abuse affect me but those around me. My relationship with my parents and specifically my mom has changed for the worst. Every one deals with trauma in different ways. My mom and I did not see eye to eye about healing which has caused a rift.
My husband has had to come to terms that the person he married is forever changed. It has been extremely difficult for him to know how to help me. I live in a state of constant fear. Not one day goes by where I do not replay the abuse in my head and think about the what ifs.
Larry Nassar should spend the rest of his life behind bars. I am just one of the many lives he’s ruined. I have lost so much time trying to repair what Larry broke. He has done nothing but cause me pain both physically and mentally.
I ask you to think about the many lives he has caused pain and ask yourself if he deserves ever to live a free life again.
Thank you for allowing the survivors near and far the opportunity to tell their story and give their statements.
THE COURT: Thank you. As to the statement, please advise her that her strong words hopefully will help her refocus her world and speaking out hopefully strengthen her so that she takes control back. Letting defendant have control means he wins. She taking control means she wins, and she is a winner, and I want her to know that.
