Headstrong
In this inspiring memoir of brain injury and recovery, the author recounts how family, faith, and steadfast determination saved her life.
Donna Valentino and her boyfriend Paul were at a resort in Texas when an ATV ride ended in tragedy. Donna crashed into an unmarked, nearly invisible chain. Suddenly their romantic weekend getaway became a nightmare of terrifying injuries—including a severe brain injury.
After months of rehabilitation and a courageous battle to regain her life, Donna wrote Headstrong, recounting her remarkable journey of recovery and adaptation. In Headstrong, Donna shares the practical and positive outlook that helped her and her family not only survive, but also grow stronger through the struggle.
Donna Valentino
Donna Valentino was born and raised in Queens, New York. After graduating from high school in 1979, she worked full time at various companies. She married in 1987 and had two children, Nikki and Jordan. She coached her son’s soccer team, managed both kids’ basketball teams, and stayed active in the PTA. She also played tennis on a team with good friends for seventeen years. On February 7, 2009, Donna’s life as she knew it was turned upside down. As a result of a traumatic brain injury, all the physical activities she once treasured became impossible. Enjoying time with her children was put on hold. Starting a new relationship with someone special was cut short. Recently, after years of recovery and rebuilding her life, she wrote Headstrong: Surviving a Traumatic Brain Injury without Losing My Mind as part of a new beginning. Donna lives in Dallas, Texas.
Brown Books Publishing Group
