DECEMBER 12, 2025
CROSSLAKE, MINNESOTA

An evening with…

Melissa Ohden

We are honored to welcome Melissa Ohden as our keynote speaker at this year’s Guiding Star Gala—Peace on Earth Begins with Birth. Melissa is the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion—an experience that could have ended her life before it even began. Instead, her story has become a powerful testimony of hope, healing, and the immeasurable value of every human life.

As the founder of the Abortion Survivors Network, Melissa has dedicated her life to giving a voice to the voiceless and supporting other survivors around the world. Her courage and resilience embody what it means to be Fearlessly Female, making her the perfect voice to inspire and challenge us as we continue building a culture of life.

Melissa’s Story

Melissa is the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion. Despite the initial concerns regarding Melissa’s future after surviving the attempt to end her life at approximately seven months gestation, she has not only survived but thrived.

Melissa is a Master’s level prepared Social Worker and the author of two books: You Carried Me: A Daughter’s Memoir and Abortion Survivors Break Their Silence. She is the Founder and Director of The Abortion Survivors Network, the only healing and advocacy organization for abortion survivors and their families.

Melissa speaks at events around the world, inspiring audiences with her powerful life story, and she is a sought-after expert on abortion survivors.

Sneak Peek of the Venue

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more details? We’ve got you covered.

Our Guiding Star Gala is Friday, December 12, 2025 and will be held in Crosslake, Minnesota at the Whitefish Lodge & Suites—located at 14150 Swann Drive, Crosslake, MN 56442. Visit their website here for more details.

The following airports are listed in order of closet distance to Crosslake, MN.

Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport • 16384 Airport Rd #5, Brainerd, MN 56401

Located about 27 miles (about a 35 minute drive) from Crosslake, this is the nearest airport with regular commercial flights, including service via Delta through SkyWest. It offers convenient access for regional travel.

Duluth International Airport • 4701 Grinden Dr, Duluth, MN 55811
Located about 122 miles (about a 2 hour drive) from Crosslake, this is a larger regional airport with more flights and destinations.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport • 4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN 55111
Located about 157 miles (about a 3 hour drive) from Crosslake, this is a major international hub with extensive domestic and global flights options.

Whitefish Lodge & Suites offers a variety of overnight stay options. Visit their website to book your stay. There are also a variety of local Air BNB and VRBO options as well as other hotels to choose from.

We are offering two advertising only options for those unable to attend, but wish to support our mission from afar with visibility and recognition. Click here to view all sponsorship options. You may also donate directly to Guiding Star if you would prefer. Donate Here.

All sales are final. We greatly appreciate you choosing to support the mission of the Guiding Star Project. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all profits made from sponsorship purchases help advance our mission of building a fearless future—one woman at a time.