Linda Carti's Past

In 1982, Linda Carti moved to Texas in pursuit of the American dream and a fresh start. She was keen to build on her academic background and started a pharmacy course at Houston University. One night after class, she was attacked by two men who demanded money from her then raped her - leaving her too scared to go back to university. Her daughter Javelle recalls that her mother became depressed at this time and this was when she rapidly began to gain weight. The worst bit is, as a result of this rape, Linda felt pregnant. As she was Catholic, termination was totally out of the question. After this, Linda carried the baby to full term and gave it up for adoption.