Human Trafficking Survivor Gets New Life and Thrives

12/05/22 • 24 min

Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman was working at a job he loved, making enough money to provide for his family. At just 14, he was the father figure in his home in Honduras. One night after work he was abducted and smuggled into the United States. He was sold into sexual exploitation. For months he was tortured, beaten, drugged, starved and raped.

But he was rescued.

Sabrina Goosby took Suamhirs under her wing and taught him how to use his experiences to change the lives of others. As an adult, he has become an advocate for those suffering and was enlisted by former President Barack Obama to find real solutions.

We also speak to Dr. Minh Dang, executive director of Survivor Alliance, to hear about the types of human trafficking, how to respond to an industry that affects people worldwide, and what you should and shouldn’t do if you think someone may need help.

If you suspect someone is in a dangerous situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1.888.373.7888 or visit the website. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessible by dialing 988. Trained professionals are available 24 hours a day.

For more information on this episode or to learn how you can use OnStar to help others in need, click here.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

But he was rescued.

For more information on this episode or to learn how you can use OnStar to help others in need, click here.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Previous Episode

Slackliner Saves Skier Hanging From Chairlift

Arapahoe Basin is a legendary ski resort in Colorado, and when it’s a powder day, skiers wake up at the crack of dawn to get up the hill for those fresh tracks. That’s exactly what Richard Dempsey did, except he only got a few runs in before everything changed. Richard is able to recount his story thanks to a slackliner named Mickey Wilson who risked his own life to save someone he met that morning.

We also speak to author and retired ski patroller Patti Burnett about what dangers to look out for while skiing at resorts and in the backcountry, as well as what to do if you find yourself or someone else in an emergency situation while enjoying the mountains in wintertime.

For more information on this episode or to share your own story, visit OnStar’s website.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Next Episode

Introducing Season 3 of Tell Me What Happened

Tell Me What Happened — the award-winning podcast about people helping people — is returning this May!

We’re hard at work on Season 3 and have more incredible, heart-pounding stories to share with you about complete strangers stepping in to help someone in need.

This series is produced by OnStar. They are committed to keeping you safe and so are we. Each episode features an expert with helpful tips for all sorts of situations.

As always, every story has a happy ending and celebrates the power of a true human connection. Join us for this exciting and heartwarming journey.

Learn more about our podcast.