Former Congressmember Gabby Giffords survived an assassination attempt in 2011, and last night she summoned the will to make her longest public address following nearly a decade of learning how to walk and speak again.

She said:

I’ve known the darkest of days. Days of pain and uncertain recovery. But confronted by despair, I’ve summoned hope. Confronted by paralysis and aphasia, I responded with grit and determination. I put one foot in front of the other. I’ve found one word and then I’ve found another.

What an amazing message of hope in these darkest of days. Please honor her wishes and register to vote!

Image: YouTube / Giffords