FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2007; 6:30 PM CST
**MEDIA ADVISORY** MEDIA ADVISORY** MEDIA ADVISORY**

A Message of Gratitude from Formerly Missing MO Teen
Shawn Hornbeck and His Parents, Pam and Craig Akers

Formerly missing Missouri teen Shawn Hornbeck (16) and his parents, Pam and Craig Akers, issued the following statements today from their home in Richwoods MO as they prepare to spend their first Thanksgiving together since 2001. 

From Shawn Hornbeck:
“The holidays this year mean everything to me because I haven’t had the chance to enjoy any in such a long time.  I spent five Thanksgivings and five Christmases missing the people that I love and knowing how much they must be missing me.  This is another important step in reconnecting with my family and my life.

I am grateful for so many things this Thanksgiving.  I am grateful that my Mom and Dad never gave up hope looking for me and for the many people that supported us through the toughest times in our lives.  I am grateful for the people that all worked so hard to help find me and bring me home.  My heart is full and I am just so thankful for so many things but most of all, I am thankful to be safe at home and-- finally -- surrounded by the people who love me. “

From Pam and Craig Akers:
“The past 10 months have shown us how special life can truly be.  We have been so blessed in so many different ways -- from the return of our son and a beautiful new home to begin making new memories in, to helping reunite another missing child with their family for the holidays.
 
In years past we have greeted this time of year with the wish that it slip quietly by, and soon become just another statistic.  It's a wonderful feeling to finally recognize how many things we have to be thankful for:  the support of our community; the many new friends we have made from all across the country; the unwavering commitment of the media in helping us reach out to the public in times of need; the ability to share what we have learned to help parents keep their children safe; the strength and commitment to stand arm in arm with other families during their darkest hours.
 
But of course none of this would be possible without the backbone of our lives – our family.  Our daughters showed us the true meaning of hope and faith.  Never for one second did they believe anything other than their brother would one day return.  They have blessed our lives with grandchildren, and continue to give us the strength and courage to keep going even when the odds seem to be against us.  From our parents to our most distant relatives, they have always been there to give us strength during the bad times and to rejoice with us when things went right.
 
In this season of miracles we wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped make this holiday season the best ever.  Without all of your help and support we couldn’t have come this far.  We are honored to be able to call you our friends.”

The Akers’ holiday is a private family celebration this year and they are not able to consider further personal media requests to be honored before Monday, November 26.  Requests for contact after that time may be addressed to Sherri Martin as indicated above.