CityView Magazine

32 Februar y 2021 32 February 2021 Fascinating FAYETTEVILLE the back of her head, to insert a drainage tube in her skull, and reset her pelvis. A tracheotomy was performed, and a feeding tube placed in her stomach. A neurologist told Cathey that Athina wouldn't be able to walk again, return to school or ever hold a job. e diagnosis was severe traumatic brain injury. Athina's dreams for the future had been shattered. Hours before her accident, she was on top of the world – aer scoring high on tests to join the Marines. Her plan was to graduate from high school, continue her education and ultimately train to go into the intelligence field. Naturally thin, the girl who had once modeled was told by recruiters that she was a shoo- in, but just needed to gain 20 pounds. Athina comes by her resilience honestly. Her mom, Cathey Deweese, survived a rare form of cancer twice and a brain aneurysm. While working for decades as a hairdresser, Cathey had a side hustle writing and self-publishing books of life- affirming Christian fiction. Cathey knew her daughter had a passion for writing even before the car accident. She saved and organized various writings by Athina, and then the two went to work on self-publishing, which was therapy in itself. "She has never complained, not once." – Cathey Deweese, about her daughter Athina She would spend her 18th birthday recovering from her injuries – and receive a surprise visit from Marine recruiters. She also earned a nickname from her medical team: "e Miracle Girl." Against all odds, Athina walked out of the rehab unit aer just three months. e next year was painful, but unwavering faith and determination prevailed. She graduated from Seventy- First High School, albeit a year late. A favorite doctor and nurse traveled from Chapel Hill to watch her walk across the stage and accept her diploma. She also learned how to drive again. One single moment One single second in time Turn back the pages Let's read the story one last time When you get to the end A single tear will fall When you already know what's coming But it still shocks you once more. – From "If Love Could Speak: A Journey of the Heart" (written two weeks before the accident)

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