"5 Years Later: Worthington Woman Shot by Man is an Inspiration" can also be viewed at YouTube

About The Video

COLUMBUS -- The gun shots rang out in August of 2006 in Worthington.

Seventeen-year-old Rachel Barezinsky and some friends wanted to see if a home was haunted. That's when the man who lives in the home, Allen Davis, fired his rifle from inside.

Some of the bullets hit Barezinsky in the head and shoulder, critically injuring her. Davis is now serving 19 years in prison.

Five years after the shooting, a crowd at Columbus State Community College gave the now 22-year-old a standing ovation after she talked about the journey she's been on and the night that almost killed her.

But her message was one of hope.

She's worked excruciatingly hard to get to this point, and has had to redefine some goals.

"Before I was injured, I wanted to be a teacher," said Barezinsky. "Now I'm not sure. I may take a college class or 2 in the future, I don't know. One day I'd like to have my own family and gain full independence, move out of my parents house and live my own life."

Rachel has become an inspiration to others, even reaching out to Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot last January. "My mom and I sent her a care package and we received something from her." She hopes to meet the congresswoman some day.

In the meantime, the young woman with the golden smile says everyone has their own struggles, but a positive attitude is everything.

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Reporter: Terri Sullivan

News Clips: WCMH NBC-4 & WBNS-10TV

News Clip: WSYX ABC-6

News Clip: WBNS-10TV

News Clip: WBNS-10TV

News Clip: WBNS-10TV

"Heart-Warming Homecoming" can also be viewed at YouTube

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WBNS-10TV's Andrea Cambern and Jerry Revish reports on Thomas Worthington's 2006 Homecoming Queen, Rachel Barezinsky

'For a Lifetime' can also be viewed at YouTube 

About The Video

Two months before Rachel's inury, she attended the wedding of her Aunt Tina and
Uncle Chris. During the reception Rachel asked her uncle, a musician, if he would write a song just for her. Two months later, with Rachel fighting for her life, Chris received the inspiration for Rachel's song while waiting endlessly for word on her condition. 'For a Lifetime' so beautifully expresses both the helplessness and the hopefulness we felt, and reminds Rachel that she is, indeed, our angel. It continues to be an inspiration throughout her healing process.

One month before the incident, Rachel had her senior pictures taken by Laura Atchison. The day she was injured, her proofs were spread over the kitchen counter where we struggled to find just the right picture. Laura allowed these proofs to be arranged in a video with the song 'For a Lifetime' while Rachel was still a patient in the Rehabilitation Unit at Columbus Children's Hospital.

'That's What Friends Are For' can also be viewed at YouTube

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Not expected to live after being shot in the head and shoulder on August 22, 2006; Rachel's family, friends and community stepped up. Watch this remarkable display of love and support for Rachel in the months immediately following her injury.

'Rachel vs TBI' can also be viewed at YouTube

About The Video

Nearly 3.5 years after suffering a severe traumatic brain injury with left side paralysis caused by a gunshot wound to the brain, Rachel continues the fight of her life. Daily, she works to retrain her body by rigorous physical therapy to strengthen her left side. Through hard work and dedication she has regained function in both her left arm and leg. Watch as Rachel demonstrates the approach she takes to getting her life back one step at a time.

'Walking/Limping Thru Rehab' can also be viewed at YouTube

About The Video

During Rachel's rehabilitation as a result of a gunshot to the brain, she created a powerpoint presentation featuring her stay at Columbus Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Unit. Before being discharged from rehab, she then presented it to the entire unit. Watch Rachel's slideshow as she narrates her journey through rehab.

'An Interrupted Life' can also be viewed at YouTube

About The Video

Rachel Barezinsky, a Thomas Worthington High School senior, was shot in the head and shoulder on August 22, 2006, while ghost hunting with friends at the house at 141 Sharon Springs Drive. Rachel and four friends drove away and circled the block when Allen S. Davis shot toward them hitting Rachel. Davis, who said he thought the girls were a threat, is now serving 19 years in prison. Although Rachel has made progress since the shooting, she still faces a long recovery. Produced by The Columbus Dispatch.