City: Hilo, HI 

Brain Injury:  I was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal cancer and given if any, a 2% chance to survive.  A tumor was found in the sinus cavity above my right eye and the veins of the tumor had invaded the front brain area and orbit of that eye causing it to become blind permanently.

Explanation of Mask:  The journey was a very long and difficult one to endure for 8 years I allowed the demons inside my head to take control with negative thoughts and I became an angry, bitter, resentful, hateful and a miserable person to live with.  Fortunately, I was placed on a path to discovering yoga and it was my Saving Grace.  Through its practices I was able to start the healing process of my Mind, Body, and Spirit…all that had been broken from cancer. Today, 17 years later I am cancer free and living a life contentment with the choices I have made along the way.  What we think we become, and I knew I needed to TRAIN MY BRAIN into thinking positive thoughts.  When faced with adversity, we must seek guidance from our faith, have hope that all things are possible and rely on our inner strength, courage, and perseverance to finding a better day.  Every morning when I wake, I am so very Grateful and truly Thankful for another day of living.  Most importantly, believe in MIRACLES… I’m living proof of that.