Rocky's Story

That she wants attention is clear from her screeching and waving.  She does not use words.  She cannot walk, feed or take care of herself.  She is eight years old.

Raquel, now known affectionately as Rocky, was born with the odds seemingly stacked against her.  At her birth the doctors told everyone that she would never be able to walk, talk, or read.  Her prognosis was grim and she spent her first eight years consigned to the pediatric ward of a public hospital.

Today, Rocky has beat the initial odds projected for her life and has achieved goal after goal, while living a full life.

Now 22 years old, she can read, write, feed herself, prepare simple meals and help monitor her own medications.

Rocky is her won strongest advocate and is adept at very strongly making clear what she thinks is best for her.  She enjoys shopping, travel and talking on the phone.

Soon she will join her dad Bob for a week-long vacation before moving to one of Springbrook's Community Homes.

For all who know or have met her, Rocky is a blessing and an inspiration.

"You can learn from the past to improve the future..."