Earlier last year, at the young age of 11, Yesenia’s life changed forever. After a domestic dispute, Yesenia was shot in the face. This senseless act of violence caused Yesenia to suffer a spinal cord injury at her C3 vertebra, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. She also has nerve damage with only limited function in her hands and arms.

Yesenia is a sweet, funny little girl trying to live as normal a life as possible for a young child confined to a wheelchair. She is a survivor who at first was fighting for her life. Prior to this devastating event, Yesenia was on a local dance team, enjoyed playing with her two sisters and watching Hannah Montana. She is hoping to participate in wheelchair dance in the future.

This precious child has many challenges ahead of her and her family is struggling. Due to the nature of this violent event, Yesenia and her family were forced to quickly relocate. The family of five stayed in a domestic violence homeless shelter before settling in an apartment in Jersey City. The apartment is not completely wheelchair accessible and it is difficlut for her to get around. Due to her extended stay at the hospital and rehab facilities Yesenia has missed a year of school and just got back into school in April 2014.