Teresa Marlene Fuentes
Community Hero 2005
Twelve years old and lovingly called “Sweetums” by her family, Teresa is an extraordinary inspiration to anyone fortunate enough to know her. She’s a whiz when it comes to spelling bees and language arts class, has a liking for Mexican food and country music – and especially enjoys basking in the sun of her hometown, Madras.
The fact that Teresa suffers from ventilator-dependent quadraplegia, with no movement in her arms or legs, hasn’t stopped this young hero from pursuing her greatest passion – painting. By holding the brush in her mouth, Teresa painstakingly transforms a canvas into an expression of the beauty she sees in everyday life.
Through her art, she demonstrates not only creativity, but her enduring sense of determination and courage. “Teresa is a very brave person who is also kind and generous. Her greatest gift is her willingness to fully participate in life,” say her parents, Laura and Willy.
As for Teresa’s artwork, one of her paintings is hanging in the Pediatric Services of America’s national office in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, she continues to refine her skills. Because as she’ll tell you, there’s no reason to be bummed out about life when you’re doing something you love.
