On August 22, 2006 around 10:00 PM, 17 year old Rachel Barezinsky's life would be forever changed. Just three days before the start of her senior year, a hollow point .22 caliber bullet pierced her head causing a severe penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI). The bullet fragmented upon impact in the right parietal region of the brain, traveled through the right temporal lobe and the rear of the right frontal lobe, crossed the midline, and then entered the left frontal lobe. The bullet, which left behind a trail of bone and metal while damaging four lobes, now is permanently lodged in the front of her left frontal lobe (click here).  Rachel arrived at The Ohio State University Medical Center as a Trauma 1 emergency.  She was seizing and posturing on arrival and her initial score on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 3, the lowest score possible. With the bullet lodged deep into her brain, the prognosis was poor and her chances of survival was less than one percent; little, if anything, could be done. One surgeon commented no one survives a gunshot crossing both hemispheres of the brain and another surgeon mentioned later she has never seen anyone survive this type of an injury in her career.  As if this were not enough, another bullet penetrated her right shoulder and fragmented into three pieces; remarkably missing vital areas.  Fortunately, this did not present any major problems, despite a bullet permanently lodged in her shoulder.

BUT...with everything appearing so bleak we still had hope through prayer! Our parish priest was called in at 2:00 AM to perform the Anointing of the Sick (Last Rites) and prayers were being heard from a waiting room filled with literally hundreds of Rachel's family and friends. Countless prayers were also being heard from not just around the community but from around the country and even around the world. Then something wonderful happened later that night...Rachel squeezed our hands! Rachel not only survived the gunshot wound but made and continues to make a miraculous recovery. 

Rachel spent three weeks at The Ohio State Medical Center and ten weeks at Columbus Children's Hospital for physical, occupational, therapeutic and speech therapy. One month after the shooting she attended homecoming where she was crowned queen. In two months she walked across the field and cheered on Senior Night. She also attended her school's Winter Dance, Valentine Dance and Senior Prom. The big event was graduating with her class where she walked across the stage and received her diploma to a standing ovation.

With two surgeries and countless therapy sessions behind her and many more therapy sessions to come, the doctors estimate her recovery at 90% three years into her recovery and still further recovery expected in the months and years to come. One of her doctors stated she has never seen an injury quite like the one Rachel received and then went on to say she has never seen anyone recover from an injury quite like Rachel has; Rachel has exceeded all their expectations. The doctors now call her a MIRACLE!   

Even under these tragic and extraordinary circumstances, Rachel's spirit continues to shine.  She remains an inspiration to many due to her strong faith, strength and courage.  PRAISE GOD! 

Please remember Rachel in your prayers! 

Click play to hear Chris Troy's "For A Lifetime"
Written by Rachel's uncle while waiting in the hospital for word on her condition.

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