Celebrity Sexual Abuse Survivor Serves on Board of Directors of PROTECT

The same spit-fire drive and determination that made Nellie Oleson a household name and commanding character in the "Little House on the Prairie" series is still seen in actress and comedienne, Alison Arngrim, as she works with the PROTECT organization toward the goal of changing the laws in this country in order to better protect this nation's children.

Nellie Oleson Grows Up

As a huge fan of the former television program "Little House on the Prairie", I was both surprised and pleased to learn that Alison Arngrim, who played the mean and spiteful Nellie Oleson, has grown into quite a powerhouse of a woman. It seems there is tremendous depth to this petite, blonde-haired, blue-eyed vixen. After 7 years of playing the villainous Nellie Oleson, Alison Arngrim left the show in order to expand her career. Beginning at age 15, she started hanging out at the "Comedy Store" in Los Angeles, developing her stand-up comedy routine. These days, she not only works as a comedienne but also serves relentlessly alongside other members of PROTECT, a National Organization to Protect Children.

Alison Arngrim, Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Alison Arngrim, herself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, has not only found her voice, but has used it in a very public way, as she serves on the Advisory Board for PROTECT and tirelessly serves as "the face and voice" of PROTECT. She was recently given the first ever National Leadership Award by the PROTECT organization. After receiving the award, she said, "If you think that this is cool that I got this, do me a favor -- don't congratulate me. Just go to PROTECT And join me." Leaders of the PROTECT organization say, "Ms. Arngrim has broken every stereotype there is about Hollywood celebrities."

A Wonderful Example and Role Model for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

As a celebrity and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Alison Arngrim has used the platform available to her to become a very vocal and energetic spokeswoman for the PROTECT organization. She believes completely in their mission and works tirelessly towards changing laws that will allow for better protection of the children in this country. She appeared on The Larry King Show in 2004 to discuss both the PROTECT organization and her own sexual abuse. She stated that she was not sexually abused by her parents and was not even able to tell them about her abuse until she was in her 20s. Her story is much the same as other survivors of sexual abuse in that regard. She is also a wonderful example to survivors everywhere as to the power we can have when once we find our voices and use whatever platform is available to us to speak out against the horrors and the injustices of childhood sexual abuse.

Alison Arngrim played her role well in the "Little House on the Prairie" series and now she is playing her life-role with the same determination and dedication.