New car surprises cancer-stricken teen

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque teen fighting for her life got the surprise of her life Wednesday: a new car.

Karleen Zetina has captured the heart of the community.

The 17-year-old has been fighting an aggressive form of brain cancer for more than two years.  Doctors have said there's not much more they can do.

But some community members are doing what they can to help Karleen enjoy the time she has left.

"I want you to ride around in that car and enjoy the sun on your face," said Marc Powell of Recarnation in Albuquerque.

Thank yous and tears were abundant Wednesday as Karleen realized the 2005 PT Cruiser was hers to keep.

"We decided we really wanted to do something special because the pressure is not just on her, but the whole family, financial, emotional, and we really wanted to do something special," Powell said.

When Powell heard Kaleen's story from his buddy, local radio DJ Double J, he decided not only to fix up the family's older model SUV but also give them the PT Cruiser.

Karleen's brain cancer has made it difficult for her to process and retain information, but even so she fought through the pain and completed high school.

Last week, she received her diploma early in a special ceremony.

And while she's too sick to drive her first car right now, she remains hopeful.

"I think that everybody should believe that," she said.  "To go school and believe that God is on their side because I feel like he's walking through me and showing everybody to be inspired by me."

Next up for Karleen is the prom.

Her family says they are planning an early prom for her, and several complete strangers have already donated things like a limo, a dress and a DJ for the event.

Recarnation will feature a picture of Karleen's PT Cruiser and a tribute to her in an upcoming issue of Car and Truck Magazine.