CLEVELAND – Michelle Knight is a survivor and wants the world to know.

“I don’t want my heart to be chained to the situations that I went through. I want to overcome and flourish and rise above all that.”

Knight, who now goes by the name Lily, drew more than 1,200 people to the Renaissance Cleveland hotel, for the Faces Of Change luncheon.

The luncheon, organized by the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, raises awareness about sexual violence and abuse.

May 6th will mark the 2nd anniversary Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus escaped from the Seymour Avenue home of Ariel Castro, after being held captive and sexually abused for more than ten years. Castro later committed suicide behind bars.

The Seymour Ave. house has been demolished.

When Michelle was asked if time really does heal old wounds, she said, “My healing process is going forward. I’m starting to be more free now; I’m able to talk about it without crying.”

Two years later, and her story is still emotional for many.

Sondra Miller, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center CEO said, “It’s a miracle that Michelle, Amanda and Gina survived, and the fact that all of them are going public and telling their story must be so painful at times, but yet is so full of hope.”

While signing copies of her book, “Finding Me,” Knight announced there’s already a second book in the works detailing how’s she’s triumphed against all odds.

Her message to all abuse victims, whether past or present, Michelle or Lily, had this to say:  “They can have the same strength and the same faith and the same hope that I have to overcome anything.”

Michelle Knight also announced that she has a boyfriend and is very happy.  She also said she has yet to see the new Lifetime movie about her rescue, but does eventually plan to watch.