On August 8, 2008, Debra Cruz was driving home from work when she noticed a truck driving closely behind her. She moved over to the right lane to allow the truck to pass. The truck then switched lanes and continued to tailgate Debra before finally colliding with the back of her vehicle.
The truck driver was cited for an unsafe lane change. He had a record, and a history of meth abuse.
The crash left Debra permanently disabled; she has limited mobility and long-term brain damage, which causes her to be sensitive to light. As a result of her injuries, Debra requires nerve stimulators to cope with the lasting pain. She is joined by her dear friend and neighbor Maribel Ramirez.