Twanique Austin

A beautiful soul was birthed on October 15, 1990 to the proud parents, Candy Smith and Terry Austin at 7:55 pm in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was the only daughter born to this union. Shortly after her birth, her mother would have to take her back to the hospital. This is when Twanique's diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy was explained. Unbeknownst to her family, "Twinkie" a nickname given to her, would show us that she may be wheelchair bound but the chair will not hold her down.

Twinkie received her first wheelchair at the young age of three. During this time, Twinkie learned to ride horses to strengthen her back as Hippo Therapy so she would be able to sit up in the chair. Twinkie attended elementary school but her middle and high school years were spent at Variety School. It was here where Twinkie learned her first word "blue", how to feed herself, how to use walkers, and how to swim. They tried to giver her an ipad because she was non-verbal. However, Twinkie threw the ipad on the floor and declared, "I can talk for myself." She obtained her diploma June 11, 2009. as a Certificate of Completion. Twinkie liked a famous quote by Frederick Douglass that reads, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress". Twinkie had a physical struggle but her progress in life was phenomenal.

Over the years, Twanique was taught by her mother that she could be anything, she could do anything, and go wherever her heart desired. These bits of wisdom from her loving mom would propel Twinkie to become the determined, self-willed, independent young lady we knew her to be. As a result of this, Twinkie decided she wanted to work. Twanique worked part time at Transition Services for seven (7) years and attended Nevada Adult Day Care. In 2012, Life Long Dreams assisted Twinkie in her endeavor to go to Hollywood. She met her favorite actor Kyle Massey from "That's So Raven and Cory's in the House". She would also meet "Mr. Belding" Dennis Haskins from "Saved by the Bell". He became intrigued with Twinkie's hair and began to play in it. Not to be outdone, Twinkie began to run her fingers through his hair. 

In her adult life, Twinkie began to attend Tabernacle of Praise Church of God in Christ. She was adamant about her praise. She took note of how her Pastor would praise God and preach and would imitate him. Twinkie was baptized by her Pastor with a special hyssop branch. Twinkie loved God's people and always had a smile on her face.  If you got close to her, she would draw you in with her powerful, strong arms and strike up a conversation with you. Twanique never wanted for anything. God was a provider and her mother made sure she was well taken care of. Twinkie had an advocate here on earth. 

Early Thursday morning, August 22, 2019 Twanique ascended into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and He welcomed this beautiful soul.