It's been quite some time since Jaycee Dugard was rescued last summer from being held captive by Phillip and Nancy Garrido for 18 years. Now, Jaycee speaks to the public for the first time in a home video that was just released to ABC News.

The video, made by Jaycee's mother, Terry Probyn, is the family's attempt to regain their privacy during this time of healing. In the video, Probyn tells the camera, "on behalf of my daughters Jaycee and Shayna and my two awesome granddaughters, we want to thank you for the love and support that you've given us these past few months. It is my desire to share our miracle with the world, but it has to be done on our terms."

Read Jaycee Dugard's Kidnapper: Insane or Master Manipulator?

In order to satiate the world's desire to see how Jaycee, 29, is recovering now that she's safe at home, Probyn includes clips of the family during Christmas decorating cookies in the kitchen. Jaycee is seen laughing and smiling with her mother and half-sister Shayna, saying "I've never gotten to decorate a cookie before."

The most significant moment in the video is when Jaycee herself speaks to the camera. "Hi I'm Jaycee," she says in her first public statement. "I want to thank you for your support and I'm doing well. It's been a long haul, but I'm getting there."

The full home video will be broadcast tonight on 20/20 at 9 p.m. ET. (ABC News)

More News: Pentagon Shooter, John Patrick Bedell, Dead

Photo Source