Queena is a vibrant, young lady that was affected by traumatic brain injury at the age of 18 in April of 2008 during her senior year. The injury left her with many disabilities and changed her life forever.
 
Prior to the injury, Queena was an honor student in high school who spent most of her time with her nose stuck in a book. She was well-known among her classmates as a funny, dorky and sweet friend who loved all things pink. Queena had a big heart and volunteered her time at hospices. She was also highly involved in the Best Buddies program at her school and formed one-to-one friendships with students with disabilities. Queena was fun-loving and was a part of every extracurricular imaginable. She joined the student government and she played volleyball and soccer.
 
Queena was a typical teenage girl. Shopping and ice cream were her weaknesses. She was klutzy, messy, and late to almost everything. She was always laughing, saying the most random things, or rambling on about her day. She was a big dreamer, and she changed her mind every other minute. She loved music and would sing in the shower and in the car when no one was listening. She loved being on the beach. Most of all, she was the best friend any one could have.
 
Queena was among the top students of the graduating class of 2008. Although she was never able to attend due to her injury, she was accepted into the University of Florida on an academic scholarship and was looking forward to finally being a Florida Gator.
 
After her traumatic brain injury, Queena’s lifestyle and plans changed. She lives at home now and her mom takes care of her full-time. Although she lost many functions and is wheelchair bound, she is still optimistic and delights in making people laugh and smile. Her body might be still but her mind is very much alive. She remembers. She comprehends. She understands. She feels. She reacts. Her eyes will light up at the mention of shopping malls. She throws her arms up when she gets excited at concerts. She squeals when her toes dip into the ocean water.
 
Happiness radiates through those wide smiles, giggles, and infectious laugh. She undergoes intense therapies and medical treatments and never gives up. Queena is a fighter and hopeful that she can regain what she lost a little bit day by day.
 
I deserve to live a good life, and I begin now. Today begins a new, positive chapter in my life. Forgiveness is the key to freedom. I release and let go.