On August 9th, 1992, Michelle "Micky" and her sister, Stacy, were pedestrians hit by an automobile in Southern California. Micky was a 2nd year medical student at the University of California, Irvine.

Micky sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and spent 8 months in a coma. Her determination saw her recovery continue over and beyond the beliefs of the doctors. Micky went home from the hospital just shy of one year post accident still in a wheelchair and diapers, with several challenges due to her TBI that she learned to live with her whole life. She never returned to medical school and wasn’t ever able to drive or work. She never got married or had children. Her social life was very limited if any.

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Within a year post-hospital, Micky was living completely on her own. She continued to live independently for the following 15 years despite the continuous challenges. Micky turned her focus to art, which gave her a purpose and ultimately saved her life.  

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Micky was not supposed to live a week, let alone 27 years, until she suddenly passed on February 23rd, 2020. She left behind both her parents and step-mother, as well as sister and 2 nieces, all of which carry on her legacy.