City: Albuquerque

Brain Injury: Forceps were used during my birth, causing a traumatic brain injury. It has been a life-time of disabilities with epilepsy, mental and cognitive struggles, speech impediment, deafness, vision problems, and social problems.

Explanation of Mask:  My seizure disorder has been life-long. The brain shows electrical discharges every time I experience a seizure. I have had numerous EEG’s to determine where in the brain the seizures come from. I have to take 3-4 anti-seizure medications all the time. I have to look at the clock for the time to take pills. I am happy not having seizures. I get dizzy every time I fall because I have bad balance problems.  I cannot go down stairs without falling down. Due to my brain injury, I have had cataract eye surgery and I am partially deaf. I have been in the hospital several times for all kinds of medical problems and I now have cancer. I have to see doctors, hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, dentists all my life. I have always had a speech problem. Lots of therapy has not helped. When I have fallen I have had concussion on the back of my head. Also, I have fallen on my chin. I have had stiches three times on my chin and the back of my head. However, I am happy and grateful to my mom for a life time of love, care, and devotion for all my medical problems. She has always been supportive and I couldn’t cope with all my problems without her.