The Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence 9002 N. Meridian St. Suite 205 Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 Phone: 615.672.8233

Home Foundation's Spokesperson Letter from Royia Our Tradition Aesthetic, Reconstructive and Laser Therapy Psychological Counseling Research and Development Education and Training Volunteer Benefits   Site Design by Jeff Kennedy Copyright © The Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence

The Foundation's Spokesperson On April 19, 1995, the world as Royia Grizzell (Sims) knew it, changed forever. A terrorist with a grudge against the United States Government detonated a 4,800 pound explosive outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City directly across the street from where Royia worked. She suffered extensive facial and throat damage with injuries so severe she was toe tagged as "dead on arrival." When she finally left the hospital and realized she was going to live, she found herself wondering why she should. Her face was filled with severe lacerations, she had lost most of her teeth, suffered extensive damage to her right eye, and her arms and neck were damaged severely. To add to the pain, her mentally and physically abusive husband forced her to file for divorce...an act that was the beginning of many blessings for Royia. For years, Royia learned how to hide. What little self-esteem she had barely pulled her through each day. And then, through God's grace, she met her reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Gregory Chernoff and together they began to uncover Royia's inner strength and beauty. Royia continues to benefit from Dr. Chernoff's research and subsequent therapies offered to victims of violence. The scaring to her face has been dramatically reduced. Royia is gradually letting go of being a victim. She has learned that through random acts of kindness to others and the ability to educate others about the options they have, she in turn has healed. Royia is just one of many victims of violence in the United States. Unfortunately, acts of terrorism and daily criminal acts of violence will continue to produce more victims. These senseless acts have no boundaries. The Foundation for Victims of Violence was founded to provide reconstruction, support and hope for victims. Just like Royia, they will be ready to face the world again.