DES MOINES, IA - Blank Children's Hospital will welcome childhood abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart to speak at Hoyt Sherman Place on October 11, 2012.

The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed abduction cases of our time. On June 5, 2002, at the age of 14, Smart was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. After being held prisoner for nine months police reunited Smart with her family on March 12, 2003. 

Today, Smart has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and National legislation. With the goal of motivating parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children's safety, Smart believes the public should never stop searching for each and every missing child.

Speaking in venues across the nation, Smart tells the story of her abduction and discusses how to overcome extreme adversity, not allowing the past dictate your life's future. Her speech, entitled "Courage & Hope: The Past is Not Your Future," provides inspiration to child crime victim survivors, parents and child protection professions across the world.

This year will mark the 10 year anniversary of Smart's abduction. It also marks the 10 year anniversary of the Regional Child Protection Center (RCPC) at Blank Children's Hospital. The RCPC works closely with community organizations to protect children. A multi-disciplinary team of professionals work together in the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases in central Iowa.

"The safety and well-being of children in our community is our first priority. We are excited to be able to celebrate the accomplishments of our center by welcoming Elizabeth Smart to speak in Des Moines," says Chaney Yeast, manager of the RCPC.

Smart will deliver her speech at Hoyt Sherman Place on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are available for $30 and VIP reception including a chance to meet Elizabeth Smart, refreshments, admission and premium seating, are available for $100.  Tickets can be purchased through Hoyt Sherman at www.hoytsherman.org.