In 1995, Christina Santhouse was on a family beach vacation on the New Jersey shore when her foot started shaking uncontrollably. Her family rushed her to the hospital, hoping things weren’t as bad as they seemed.
But after three days of tests, Christina was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease called Rasmussen’s encephalitis, a neurological disorder that causes progressive inflammation in one half of the brain.
 |
| ScientificAmericanPsychology |
At just eight years old, Christina experienced up to 150 seizures a day.
Doctors suggested a treatment that would leave her with only the left side of her brain. But Christina’s family was devastated and couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
Advertisement
Christina went on to have a 14-hour hemispherectomy, during which the right side of her brain was surgically removed.
While her family feared that the surgery would rob her of her personality, memory, and physical movement, Christina didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her dreams.
 |
| ScientificAmericanPsychology |
After finishing high school, she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in speech pathology, all within five years. She then landed a job at Bucks County Intermediate Unit, which provides services to public schools in Philadelphia. Through this, she was able to save enough money to buy her own home.
 |
| ScientificAmericanPsychology |
But good things didn’t stop there. While attending church, she met her husband, Vince Paravecchia, who found her adorable and loving. He had no idea she had a disability. One day, when Christina brought up the topic by saying “my condition,” he replied, “What are you talking about?” implying that to him, she was nothing short of amazing.
Advertisement
Christina told Scientific American that after the surgery, she was in extreme pain, with migraines that persisted for months. She lost motor skills on the left side of her body, and some friends drifted away because she couldn’t play with them anymore.
 |
| ScientificAmericanPsychology |
Doctors also told her she would never be able to drive a car. “I think when the doctors told me that I couldn’t drive, it just gave me even more motivation to try,” she said.
She didn’t let their words hold her back. Instead, she earned her driver’s license at the age of 17.
Advertisement
Watch her full video on Youtube.
Resilience and real-life miracles is what keeps us going. Just like it happened for Sarah, who woke up from a 20-year coma and surprised everyone. Subscribe here and never miss another positive story!
Our stories are for those days when you’ve lost a little faith in people. These feel-good, wholesome stories are here to remind you that kindness still exists, and that small moments can make the biggest difference.
Send story ideas, facts, correction, or kind thoughts to hello@nostalgicgrandma.com.