It was July 2003. Sheila had a new job, attended night school and helped her mom with house expenses. She was just twenty-six. Life seemed full of promise when tragedy struck. She contracted meningococcemia, a serious and life-threatening infection of the bloodstream. She was in coma for eight days with no visible improvement but she survived, albeit at a terrible cost. Gradually, she regained her strength but her limbs remained black and lifeless. Barely a month later, she had to make the most difficult decision in her life – face amputation of her limbs or eventually die from the infection.

Sheila chose to live. She underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of her hands and legs. After almost four months in hospitals, she finally went home and the difficult process of adjustment began.

This harrowing experience and her continuing struggles have been tough for Sheila and her loved ones. The journey to where she is now has been a series of bumpy rides but she is determined to keep focused in regaining control of her life.