What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Witnessing the resilience, determination, and grace my daughter shows the world!! Being a single mother raising a child with such a rare illness was tremendously difficult and enormously rewarding. We live in New Mexico where resources were scarce to none. My innate instinctual mothering is the epitome of Love. I was told if my daughter woke from her coma, she would be a vegetable for the rest of her life. She is now a double major in college and in pre-law to help other people with disabilities

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The biggest lesson is what my daughter taught me. She has been my teacher about life and what true Love is!!! It’s patient, tolerant, accepting, protecting, supporting, encouraging, providing, kind, compassionate, empathetic, and so much more. If I hadn’t had my child and experienced what we have together, I wouldn’t have lived or become half the person I am today. I look at life through a different lens that has opened my eyes to all the beauty in the world.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would be able to buy my daughter a vehicle that has accessibility features for her disability - to allow her to drive independently. At this time, I can’t afford the modifications which are very expensive. She deserves everything penny and I know she needs a vehicle. Where we live, public transportation is not accessible. I am currently driving her to work and college everyday. She would not be able to live her life independently if not with this generous gift!!