Description

Join us for our 7th Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon featuring survivor and advocate, Debra Newell. Debra Newell is a businessperson and the central figure in the true crime story that gained widespread attention through the Wondery podcast and Bravo television series titled 'Dirty John.' Season one of the series delves into the harrowing journey of how a simple online encounter blossomed into a tumultuous romance with John Meehan, a man who posed as a successful anesthesiologist. An interior designer and devoted mother, Newell tragically realized the depth of John Meehan’s deceit after their brief courtship and marriage. Despite heartfelt warnings from loved ones, Newell found herself ensnared in a toxic relationship characterized by manipulation, secrecy, and survival against all odds, leaving a profound impact on her entire family and life. Their story gained significant media coverage due to its shocking twists and turns, shedding light on the dangers of online dating and the complexities of abusive relationships. The 'Dirty John' podcast and subsequent television adaptation for Netflix provided a platform for Newell to share her story and raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and escaping from toxic relationships. She is the author of the book 'Surviving Dirty John,' and has also appeared in the documentary 'Dirty John, The Dirty Truth,' and was featured in another documentary, 'Evil Lives Here' on Investigation Discovery.