I have a strong desire to be successful in whatever I choose to do. Since having deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, I believe that my opportunities are endless! If I didn’t have DBS, I think I would be struggling

Since the dystonia affects my speech, my greatest challenge is communicating verbally with others. I have found creative ways to overcome this challenge. With the use of my computer, text messaging, and other technology I have managed to deal with this obstacle. I am hopeful that the deep brain stimulation surgery will continue to improve my life and my ability to interact more effectively and easily with others.

My support system is great! My mom and my loving grandma have been there throughout everything. They influence my life greatly, and I don’t know where I would be without them!

My dreams are to become a chef and one day open a restaurant. If that doesn’t work out, my back-up plan is to work on and fix computers.