In Malina’s young adulthood, she was a single-parent with a professional job and living a "normal" life. Then, life turned upside down after she suffered a severe brain injury. She lost her ability to be a primary caregiver for her child. She lost her job. And, she was no longer able to participate in friendships that had been so important. Her grit is why she's alive today. She became a fierce self-advocate, volunteer in the community, and sought out help from Family Eldercare. Now age 57, she participates in our in-home Counseling and receives Case Management. Over the last 10 years, Malina recovered the ability to speak and perform life's daily tasks. She has not given up on the idea that she could one day work again. Her goal is to obtain employment in a supportive environment, and to demonstrate to others who have survived brain injuries that it's possible to defy expectations.