Char'Netta Burton's Rehab Fund

Please read with an open heart. Every individual who achieves greatness is preceded by a story of strength and perseverance. Char'Netta Patrice Burton was born on July 18th,  in Oakland, California. She began life in a household ran by their grandmother,a God fearing woman the matriarch. Her grandmother raised over twenty children in her home. When she struggled with the responsibilities of taking care of children in her age, Char'Netta became a ward of the court in the process. Enduring many of the hardships that are attained from destructive environments was the premise of Char'Netta's motivation to pursue greatness beyond the streets of Oakland.
Her grandmother raised Char'Netta to be a self-loving and respecting person until diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Char'Netta could no longer live in the household she had been raised in for four years. Her cousin, Eleanor Davenport, accepted the responsibility of being Char'Netta's primary guardian, ultimately her second mother.Char'Netta retained a close relationship with her grandmother until 2009 when ultimately, Alzheimer's led to her death. This was difficult to accept as Char'Netta transitioned into young adulthood.
After receiving her high school diploma, Char'Netta enrolled in Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. She had to adjust to a different living situation as she traveled from Oakland to Atlanta. During that time, Char'Netta's grades were adversely reflected as she struggled to cope with the death of her grandmother. Resilient as she has always been, Char'Netta refocused herself on improving her grades, and the desire to achieve a college education.
Char'Netta always wanted to study abroad. After applying for scholarships and joining Americorps she spent seven months in Ghana, Africa as a teacher and student. She developed new skills for working with people and a deeper appreciation for culture. Char'Netta enjoyed developing lesson plans, teaching classes to students and being a mentor. Through this experience, Char'Netta progressed as a student and individual.
Upon returning to Atlanta, Char'Netta prepared for another transition in her life. She received her Bachelors of Psychology degree with honors and a full-ride scholarship for a Masters of Forensic Psychology Degree. A week after receiving her degree, Char'Netta was involved in a severe car accident, which left her paralyzed from the neck down. Char'Netta was admitted into the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia and within a week of treatment, she was alerted that her oldest brother was violently murdered in Oakland, California. With all the obstacles that were occurring in her life, Char'Netta was unable to properly function and it slowed down her recovery. She was initially in the Intensive Care Unit and was monitored closely until she stabilized. This was a difficult time as Char'Netta adapted to the new changes in her life and how it would alter her plans after college. She was a resident of the Shepherd Center for three months.
After Char'Netta stayed at the Shepherd Center, she was forced to come back to Oakland, California due to financial burdens. Since she has been back in Oakland, Char'Netta has dealt with the hardship of finding facilities that specialize in or are familiar with spinal cord injuries. This has been a hardship not only on Char'Netta, but also on her family. Eleanor had recently retired before becoming a primary caretaker for Char'Netta. In addition, many family members have stepped in to help support her physically, emotionally, and financially. It has taken a toll not only on Char'Netta, but also for those who support her by physically taking care of her, and scheduling doctor's appointments. She has remained positive about her injury and dreams of being able to run again.
Only the fortunate have seen a rose emerge from concrete and Char'Netta is such a rose as she has overcome many obstacles and turmoil in her life. Yet, through every situation, she has risen to the occasion and persevered. This will only continue to be possible if she is able to attend a facility for therapy that is geared toward the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients. In addition, many of the alterations that were supposed to occur within the home, such as building ramps, have been postponed due to finances. Another goal is to own her own vehicle in order to perform activities of daily life. It is Char'Netta's goal to live on her own again. Char'Netta intends on attending graduate school and becoming an advocate for individuals with spinal cord injuries. She sets her goals for the future by tackling each day with God and a positive attitude knowing that she has greatness destined in her life.
Please consider Char'Netta as a candidate for aid. Any amount of generosity would be greatly appreciated in order for Char'Netta to pursue her short-term and long term goals towards her recovery. Over the course of her life, she has had many accomplishments and intends on breaking barriers as she moves forward. This will continue to be possible with the generosity of individuals such as you who believe in making opportunities for those who have every intention of creating changes in the lives of others. Taking the time to read her story means that one more person has had the opportunity to meet this remarkable young woman. Thank you.