Waterbury, Conn./WTIC Radio - The Waterbury man who says he was held captive for 20 years by his stepmother is speaking out for the first time.
The now 32-year-old man, who goes by "S," says he has begun the process of "reclaiming my life."
You can read his full statement below.*
The man is being represented by the group Survivors Say.
He says he deliberately set fire to the family home in February as a means of survival.
The man weighed only 68 pounds when firefighters pulled him from the burning home on Blake Street.
He says he's doing much better and is stronger than the day he was rescued, and he also says he had a party to celebrate his birthday.
The man also gave thanks to the "thoughts and messages, support and prayers" he has received since his ordeal became public.
"S" also gave thanks to those who've donated to a GoFundMe page to cover expenses for his ongoing recovery. More than $270 thousand has been raised.
Kimberly Sullivan has denied the allegations and is free on bond awaiting trial.
*FULL STATEMENT FROM "S:"
“Please call me ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free.
“I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse. I was held prisoner in my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago at age 31 when I purposely set the fire that helped set me free.
“I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.
“I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then. To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you. In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.
“I also want to thank the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable. Thank you to everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the overwhelming expenses I will face in the weeks, months and years to come.
“I am grateful to the conservator and my attorney, who will help guide me through the legal process ahead. They have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for their tireless support.
“Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.
“I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes. I also ask the public and the media to respect those investigations and my privacy as this process plays out. This isn’t just a story. It’s my life.
“Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover. Please forward any inquiries about my recovery, requests for information or interviews, or the process ahead to David Guarino at Survivors Say, who has volunteered to serve as my spokesman.
“Thank you.”