Trina, what a beautiful young woman. What happened to stop her dreams from coming true?

Trina’s story is a complicated one that unfolded over a period of years. She struggled with a severe eating disorder that became a mental illness in the end. She had her first seizure in 2009 from injuries surrounding her anorexia, use of “Spice or K2” and domestic abuse. Her anorexia began in 2006 and as time went on the other issues were added to her frail condition, leading up to her first seizure in 2009 on the Navy Base in South Carolina and then her massive seizures in 2010 in San Diego while visiting her sister, Kacee.

The doctors explained it to her family this way: The initial seizure scarred her brain and as her anorexia worsened (and the habits that went with it) she had massive seizures approx. 9 months later on June 3rd that left her without oxygen to her brain for a substantial amount of time, causing severe brain damage.

Trina’s family was not aware of all that she was doing until it was too late. They tried to help with the anorexia but after age 18 as an adult Trina refused to admit she had a problem. Most of the severity of these issues were learned after she was in a coma and subsequent non-cognitive, vegetative state. Especially when it came to learning about “Spice” – to discover that it was causing people to have seizures was really telling but again, as a family we learned it too late!

Trina’s family keeps this website up to share awareness about anorexia as well as the dangers of Spice so that other families can catch the signs earlier and save their child or loved one. We appreciate your interest in our story…

On June 3, 2010 Trina had prolonged seizures. Her brain went without oxygen for a substantial amount of time. She initially was in a coma, then was transferred to a sub-acute facility in Southern California as Redding did not have one at that time. When Trina entered the hospital her husband was still in the Navy, so she had medical insurance. Then one week later he was kicked out of the Navy and her insurance was gone while she was still in a coma. This was a tough time for the whole family as her husband fled and his whereabouts were unknown for a long period of time. So, her mom, step-dad and a sister obtained Conservatorship to care for her. On 5/27/2011 her parents were finally able to bring her home. She came home in a non-cognitive, vegetative state. This classification remains at present because she cannot obey any commands or do anything to help herself in any way. Though she looks alert, makes many faces and flails with constant movement – her cognition is that of a baby. Her brain matter has been absorbed so her brain has shrunk immensely. Her brainstem is what allows her to still have expressions and balance, but without cognition her actions are more primal and reflexive. The family understands it will take a miracle for a recovery, but her parents have chosen to live with hope and continue to give her quality of life as long as they can. They always want her to be cared for at home and never, ever put into a facility.

So many Thank Yous are needed: While in the sub-acute facility generous donations came in which allowed Trina to receive acupuncture for an entire year! There was visible improvement as this is when she became more alert / aware of her surroundings. Then after being brought home additional donations helped with customized equipment (her needs have changed over time) like an outdoor swing, a special chair and an adult stroller to name a few. The big problem initially was that the family’s home was not set up properly for her care. The community offered to volunteer to add a care room and a handicapped bathroom. Funds were needed. Donations came in from every direction allowing this amazing space for her to be completed. The family had to contribute time and money to this project, too, but it could not have been done without all of the incredible people of Redding, including companies, endless volunteers and donations from strangers. The journey has been rough for the family but the blessings and generosities from others far outweigh the tragedy.  This has built their faith and eased their daily burdens, allowing them to embrace a difficult situation with joy. They recently were encouraged to try the Hyperbaric Chamber treatments (also referred to as the old ‘Iron Lung”), another item not covered by Medi-Cal (and very expensive). Another suggestion is to look into Stem Cell replacement, if applicable. These are just some of the ways donations have been used. Trina’s family cannot express enough how much they appreciate this tangible love!

Trina’s family consists of mom Sandy, ‘dad’ Steve (he adopted her in 2016; her biological dad passed away in 2002) and 3 sisters; Corina in Santa Cruz, CA., Carlyna in Santa Rosa, CA. and KaCee in Anderson, CA. Steve is a God-send to Trina as has worked with her daily from day one helping with her physical therapy, providing loving care and is co-parenting in a selfless manner. They are her main caregivers and seldom take a break, mostly because it is difficult to find qualified caregivers. A “date” isn’t important to her parents unless they have a great person to be with Trina. However, if you know of someone who wants to apply for occasional caregiving, then please contact the family on the contact page.

Trina’s family is a praying family.  So, please join them by continually praying. Every day has new challenges; every day is different. They ask for ongoing miracles. Please check in at this site regularly for updates and pictures and to hear about the miracles to come firsthand.

Footnote: With respect to Trina’s husband, he subsequently resurfaced and re-connected with them. Forgiveness was offered, a divorce provided and he moved on with their blessing. That Chapter is closed.

As Trina’s family moves forward they keep hope alive in their hearts knowing God and others are with them to walk out this journey. They are never alone.

God Bless each and every one of you!