Name: Carol S., 44 years old. Caregiver for daughter Alicia S.

City: Mesa, AZ

Brain Injury: PERIVENTRICULAR LEUKOMALACIA (PVL) BRAIN BLEED. Alicia was born as a micro-preemie. She was born at 26 weeks gestation weighing 1lb 1oz. After her third ultra sound, they discovered a head bleed.

Explanation of mask:  In my mask I tried to show my SPLIT FEELINGS. On one hand I feel grateful that she survived. Alicia is my true miracle, she not only survived, she surpasses expectation that doctors thought she would not be able to accomplish. My life has been so blessed with Alicia in my life. Knowing this gets us through the hard days. The other half of my feelings are CONFUSED, ANGRY, AND SAD all at the same way. There are days that it feels like a dark cloud hanging over us. It’s hard to watch her miss out on what adult 21 year olds enjoy. She will always be at a 10 year-old level.