Miss America By Day Documentary ~ Marilyn Van Derbur Atler
In 2019, Wings had a beautiful opportunity to be part of the documentary film Miss America By Day, featuring the life of former Miss America, Marilyn Van Derbur Atler. A Denver native and survivor of childhood sexual abuse and incest by her prominent father, Marilyn is an extraordinary hero to so many adult survivors around the world. Her story also highlights the love and devotion she received from her husband Larry, daughter Jennifer, and other supportive figures in her life.
Throughout her career, Marilyn traveled the country speaking openly about the realities of childhood sexual abuse. She did so not only to help protect generations of children, but also to bring truth, dignity, and visibility to experiences that countless survivors had endured in silence. By telling her story, Marilyn gave others permission to honor their own truth, reclaim their voices, and pursue healing.
At the end of every presentation, Marilyn invited survivors in the audience to stand and acknowledge their history. Those who chose to stand were met with validation and affirmation. Those who chose not to stand were also met with understanding and respect. In a culture that too often demanded silence, Marilyn created space for survivors to be seen on their own terms.
Her courageous decision to speak out, coupled with Larry’s unwavering love and support, helped shift the conversation from silence to voice, from invisibility to understanding, and from shame to dignity. Together, they demonstrated the profound difference that survivor courage and compassionate allyship can make.
Many adult survivors and those who support them continue to find strength, hope and dignity in the Marilyn’s example. Survivors have found permission to tell the truth about their own experiences, while loved ones and allies have found guidance in the ways Larry and Jennifer embraced and supported her journey. The light Marilyn and her family brought into the world continues to illuminate a path forward for countless others.
This is why Wings is honored to recognize Marilyn and Larry through the Champions of Healing movement. Their legacy continues to inspire survivors, loved ones, professionals, and advocates to create a world where every survivor is believed, supported, and given the opportunity to heal.
To learn more about Marilyn’s story for yourself or your family, we invite you to watch her documentary here.
Become a Champion of Healing“I heard Marilyn speak at Calvary United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs in 1993 and standing with other survivors that night began my healing.”
– Joyce Aubrey, Founder, Finding Our Voices
