"Normal" didn't seem like so much of an option for Lucy Grealy, a young tomboy living in New York. This is because at around 9 years old she was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma cancer in her jaw that gave her a 5% survival rate. Lucy underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and procedures to get rid of the cancer. Lucy spent 5 years eradicating her body of cancer, but the physical scarring took a toll on her emotions more than her own body. Coming to terms with her appearance was, in her opinion, an even greater struggle than having the cancer itself. Dealing with harassment from both boys and girls wilted her self-esteem, but she coped with it by working at a horse stable where she would have "pony parties." Lucy moves on to go to college and at first wants to be a doctor, but decides to write poetry.
Lucy had to change her idea of beauty in order to feel human again. As anybody can relate, it hurts to be singled out or made fun of based on your physical features-- what you can't help. This is what makes Lucy's story so uplifting, how she is able to take such pain and allow it to be something beautiful. She has a strong spirit, and hardly felt bad for herself, which was truly inspiring.
