Texan Teen Tells Her Story: Sex Trafficked At A Dallas Mavericks Game

"I'm not afraid. There's nothing to be afraid of." These are the powerful words of Natalee Cramer, a North Richland Hills Texan whose disappearance at just 15 years old made national headlines. Two years later, Natalee is ready to speak out about her terrifying experience and the strength that has helped her reclaim her life. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual assault and sex trafficking, reminding them that survival is possible.

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A Night at the Game Turns into a National Tragedy

On April 8, 2022, Natalee was enjoying a Dallas Mavericks game with her father at the American Airlines Center when everything changed. She left her seat in Section 221 to use the restroom but never returned. Security cameras captured her with two men in the parking garage, and for 10 days, her family frantically searched for her as her disappearance dominated national headlines.

"I was struggling with anxiety and addiction," Natalee revealed, sharing that she was overwhelmed at the game. Seeking an escape, she asked a stranger if he smoked, hoping for a momentary relief. That decision changed the course of her life. "I thought he was the only one… and he wasn’t." She was quickly forced into a car, assaulted, and taken away.

Her family hired a private investigator, who found online ads listing Natalee for sale in Oklahoma. Thanks to the investigator’s work and the Oklahoma City police, she was found wandering outside an apartment complex, praying for a miracle. "God was there," Natalee said, recalling the moment an officer recognized her and rescued her from her traffickers.

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Surviving 10 Days in Captivity

The 10 days Natalee spent in captivity remain a blur, with details coming back slowly. She remembers being raped multiple times—first in the parking garage and later at a distant location. Kept disoriented and under the influence of drugs, Natalee struggled to understand what was happening. "I wasn’t sober enough to do anything about it," she admitted.

Despite having opportunities to call for help, Natalee didn’t. "I was running for drugs. I was running for all these other reasons," she shared, reflecting on the self-sabotage that kept her from reaching out. Yet, in her darkest moments, she continued to pray, and it was that faith that led to her rescue.

From Survivor to Advocate

Today, Natalee is determined to use her story to help others. She credits her survival to her faith, her family, therapy, and a special companion—her dog, Gunnar. After her rescue, caring for Gunnar became the motivation she needed to keep going. "He saved my life completely," she said.

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Natalee’s family has also turned their pain into purpose, founding Aisling for Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and providing resources for victims of sexual assault and trafficking. The organization’s name, "Aisling," comes from the Irish word for "dream," symbolizing Natalee’s hope for a future free from fear.

While she continues to heal, Natalee is focused on finishing her GED and dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Her message to other survivors is one of resilience: "Don’t give up on yourself… It will get better."

This article originally appeared on CBS News Texas. You can read the full story here.