I'm Not Going To Die Like This: Chris Cander

In 1989, while studying abroad in Madrid, 19-year-old Chris Cander was kidnapped and threatened with death by a stranger she met at a restaurant. This harrowing encounter, which she kept secret for decades, forced her to confront a profound sense of powerlessness. To reclaim her agency, Cander dedicated her life to physical and mental fortitude, becoming a competitive bodybuilder, martial artist, and firefighter. She eventually processed this trauma by writing the novel *The Young of Other Animals*, using a fictional character to finally confront the reality of her victimization. By sharing her story with host Elizabeth Smart, Cander highlights the common burden of silence among survivors and emphasizes that victims are not responsible for the actions of their attackers. Her journey illustrates the transition from fear to empowerment and the ongoing process of healing from life-altering trauma.