Throwaway (30 page)

While Jessie’s story is fiction, she was in a
situation too many children face as they age out of the foster
system. Many organizations have been established to transition
teens from the foster system into adulthood. Find information on
these groups and how you can help on my website:
www.heatherhuffman.com/LeavingYourMark.

I often encourage my readers to use their
talents to leave their mark on this world—to make a difference.
That’s why this book is free; it’s my way of doing what I can to be
a voice for voiceless.

Once cause I believe very strongly in is the
fight against modern-day slavery. Every day around the world people
from all walks of life are enslaved, just like Jessie and the girls
she encountered. Statistics show there are more people in slavery
today than there were during the height of the transatlantic slave
trade. Women and children are especially at risk.

It’s an atrocity on all our heads if we hold
silent. Sometimes with a problem this large, it’s hard to know
where to begin.

Fair Trade is a good place to start. By
ensuring the products you purchase weren’t made by the hands of
slaves, you speak with your consumer dollars. And that voice is
loud. Learn more about Fair Trade at www.wfto.com.

There are also many excellent organizations
out there who dedicate themselves to making a difference. One I
trust and respect is World Vision. Please consider making a
donation to their Hope for Sexually Exploited Girls fund. Every
dollar helps. You can learn more about World Vision at
www.worldvision.org, or by clicking one of the World Vision buttons
on my website.

Heather Huffman
lives in Missouri with her husband and their three sons. In
addition to writing, she enjoys spending time with their growing
alpaca herd, the family horse, and their pack of rescued dogs. A
firm believer that life is more than the act of taking up air,
Heather is always on the lookout for an adventure that will become
fodder
for the next
novel.

Website:
http://www.heatherhuffman.com
Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/HeatherHuffman

Facebook:
Facebook profile
Blog:
http://www.OneEchad.blogspot.com

I have many people in my life for which I am
eternally grateful—my husband and children top that list. Adam,
Dylan, Blake and Christopher: I love you. Thank you for lighting up
my life.

Mom and Dad, I love you both. Always have,
always will. Thank you for all you’ve sacrificed over the
years.

Angie and Karen – you’re my heroes. Thank you
for teaching me the meaning of the word strength, and for the years
of love and guidance.

To my nieces and nephews, you’re all awesome.
Don’t listen to Uncle Adam; he doesn’t really have a favorite.

Emily Hellmer, thank you for your willingness
to be the cover model.

Emily Stoltz & Erica Fitzgerald, thank
you for all of the work you’ve put in to make my dream a
reality.

John Bartley, thank you for music that
inspired a novel.

Emily Cain & Elaine O’Brien—thank you for
lending your eagle eyes to the proofreading stage.

And to all the other people who’ve encouraged
me, been a test reader or helped me market this novel, thank
you!