Crystal Rader's story invites readers into an extraordinary life shaped by faith, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of independence. Born in 1983, Crystal's journey began in Colorado, but her path soon led her far from the typical childhood. At just one-year-old, she was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease shortly before moving with her mother and sister to Delaware. By age five, as her medical needs grew more complex and family circumstances shifted, Crystal entered Voorhees Pediatric Facility, where she would grow up under the care of a specialized medical team rather than in a traditional family home.

      In her memoir, Crystal unflinchingly explores what it means to grow up within the walls of a pediatric facility, where life is defined by medical routines yet still shaped by dreams of friendship, love, and belonging. Her story delves into the emotional challenges of living apart from her family, the difficulty of forging connections in an unconventional setting, and the profound ways her Christian faith became her anchor through isolation, pain, and uncertainty.

    With grace and candor, Crystal’s story sheds light on the overlooked realities of living with a debilitating disease, offering readers an inside look at navigating the education system, building relationships, and eventually transitioning into an adult world where the stakes become even higher in a world not always equipped for someone like her.

     Through moments of heartbreak, triumph, and deep introspection, Crystal's voice shines as a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever faced adversity. Her story is not just one of survival—it is a celebration of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable spirit that refuses to be defined by circumstance. Crystal’s life is a testament to the strength of the human soul, inspiring readers to see beyond limitations and find light, even in the darkest places.