Carol's gripping story begins 29 years ago when, as a teenager, she asks to have her nose surgically altered. But before plastic surgery can be performed, her world comes crashing down around her when she receives shocking news-she has a rare disease, Wegener's granulomatosis. Though the treatments take their toll on her body, and the disease ironically changes the shape of her nose, Carol refuses to let it destroy her spirit. Meanwhile, her mother's persistent efforts to find information and support for herself led to today's international Vasculitis Foundation. Learn how to make the healthcare system work for you. Find out the value of second opinions and how a positive attitude can save your sanity. See how compassionate relationships are vital to this patient's recovery. Told through the eyes of her mother, Myrna, this moving and personal story, which details their journey from darkness to hope, is not only inspiring but a valuable source of information for anyone touched by a serious chronic illness.