Determined Friends - Making A Difference One Friend At A Time

Brenda D. Hoskins of Detroit, Michigan dreamed of becoming a basketball star. She was a very active teenager always trying out new things, like competing in beauty pageants and winning.

On October 4, 1996 Brenda at 17 years old plans and dreams disintegrated in a fatal drunk driving accident. This accident killed her 24 year old sister Karlynda Stallworth and nearly took her life as well. Doctors told Brenda’s mom that she only had a twenty percent chance of survival.

Brenda was hospitalized for 8 consecutive months, she has undergone 24 major operations in the past 13 years, ranging from plastic surgery to reconstructive surgery. Amazingly, Brenda gave birth to two healthy daughters Kaylyn and Heaven. A miracle, when doctor’s said it wasn’t possible due to massive damage to her organs. Brenda medical bills are in the millions of dollars. Brenda doesn’t look like what she’s been through.

Brenda is now 32 years old and she continued her education at Specs Howard School of Broadcasting Arts. She’s currently seeking her degree in Business Management.

Determined Friends She overcame her limitations using her personality, confidence and determination. Brenda has been involved with the R.E.A.C.H youth program (Religion, Education, Athletics, Character builds Hope) since the tender age 8, she was the first girl to enter the program. Brenda learned how to play basketball. The boys of the program made her tough; she developed her skills and later won an All-City honor twice in high school. Brenda later coached Conner Creek Academy girl’s basketball team in 2002.

The message she brings is life-changing and powerful. Brenda is a trained M.A.D.D Victim’s Advocate. She creates personalized programs that are interactive, proactive and geared towards the rehabilitation of people positive mental attitude to aggressively respond to adverse conditions.

Brenda’s story has received overwhelming local media interest. She teamed up with former health reporter and anchor Lila Lazarus and coordinated two exclusive stories. The first story focused on people with disabilities who were not receiving help at the pump at gas stations, which aired in May of 1999. The second story featured Brenda going through an eight hour procedure so she could walk again, the story highlighted her determined attitude and self perseverance, which got her back on her feet. That story highlighted Brenda’s positive attitude and how it healed her body that story aired in June 2000. Channel 7 Kimberly Craig highlighted Pendleton’s story called “From the Heart” while employed with the Detroit Pistons.

Additionally, she appeared on the cover of the "Detroit after Dark" Detroit’s #1 hair magazine in Jan 2000. She described her near death experience caused by a drunk driver. Michigan Front Page Newspaper writer, Eric Pate, also wrote an inspirational report on Brenda‘s miraculous recovery in June 2000. Pastor and Host Glen Plummer of CTN (Christian Television Network) put together an inspirational story on her called "Determined to Survive" in November of 2000. Recently Brenda was interviewed by Channel 7 Cheryl Chodun on New Year Eve about the work Determined Friends are doing to save lives.

Organizations such as the Detroit Pistons, Youth Connection, R.E.A.C.H youth program and 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit have hired Brenda as speaker for their community based programs.

Brenda Hoskins relates how having faith and a positive mental attitude and determination can heal your mind, body and soul. She shares words of inspiration, experience and wisdom to guide millions of people towards the realization that you can be what you want to be and accomplish anything you want, by acquiring desire, dedication, and determination.

Brenda is a true community leader, her ultimate goal is to eliminate drunk driving crimes. She believes that giving back to the community is her way of thanking God for sparing and having mercy on her life. Brenda unconditional love and passion for human restoration gives people faith and a belief system to believe in miracles.