CLICK HERE to read updates from the beginning.

Although my road to recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, it has not been without many roadblocks.  Remember, the bullet badly damaged four lobes as it crossed both hemispheres of my brain.  The bullet permanently rests in the left frontal lobe and fragments from the bullet, as well as bone fragments from my skull, are scattered across my brain.  Not only was I initially given a dire prognosis of just surviving; I now face many obstacles such as left side weakness, trouble with short-term memory, concentration problems and fatigue.  But everyone tells me, the injury has not affected my communication skills or my personality . . . people say I’m the same person as before the injury.  I continue to keep a positive outlook and view the obstacles as only annoyances and refuse to be defeated by them. 

I have accomplished a great deal since my injury.  Not only have I graduated high school but also earned an early childhood education certificate from the Career Center and have completed an internship program called Project Search at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Because of the tremendous support I’ve received, I felt it is now time to give back to the community so I volunteer weekly at "A Kid Again" which helps children and their families with life threatening illnesses. I have spoken publicly many times inspiring hundreds with my story. My original plans of attending college have been put on hold, although I did attempt a college level course through the high school.  I decided it was just too overwhelming due to the amount of information that needed to be processed and there wasn’t enough time in the day to work on life skills, which to me is far more important if I want to achieve independence.

Today, I work as a clerk at a dental office and continue OT/PT  on a daily basis.  My routine includes leg workouts, stationary bike, treadmill, elliptical; dancing, weights, arm bike, resistance tubes and many grasp and release exercises. I also keep my brain fit by playing various Wii games including Big Brain Academy and have completed, for the second time, The Posit Science Brain Fitness Program.

So what’s in store for my future? Possibly a motivational speaker? Whatever, It’s all up to me. I take things as they come; one day at a time. I have no reason to believe I will not continue to improve as long as I maintain a positive attitude and continue receiving support from my friends and family… and I know I will!

-- Rachel

"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work." --Vince Lombardi