Born in 1972, in San Fernando, California. I lived with my mom and older brother, (by four years). My dad, unfortunately died when I was three from a hit and run accident. My childhood was not the typical childhood. My mom has a Bipolar disorder, which required occasional hospitalizations (placing us in foster homes). 

Graduating from Grover Cleveland H.S. in Reseda. I immediately joined the Air Force, where I worked as a Medical Lab Technician, (which I loved) at Andrews AFB in Maryland. Unfortunately, I was medically discharged after almost 4 years diagnosed with; depression, bipolar, and PTSD (related from my childhood.)

I moved to Aurora, Colorado to live with a friend, and eventually bought my own house. In and out of mental hospitals, at 34 yr. old I felt so alone that I attempted to take my life by overdosing, that left me paralyzed from the neck down.

Told I would be in a power chair and living in a hospital the rest of my life. I was determined to get strong enough to push myself in a manual chair and live independently. Getting stronger physically, it was the abuse and neglect at the Denver VA. That after 2 years I knew if I didn't leave I was going to die from untreated infections alone.

I flew to a VA that specialized in spinal cord disorders in Memphis, Tennessee (with only two backpacks) in hopes of a fresh start. Eventually, in 2011 I moved to Richmond, Virginia where I now happily live independently with my two cats Pouncey and Sly. I spend my days painting (which I hope to open up a studio), getting my story out to help others to realize they’re not alone, and thanking God every day for saving me.