She was exposed to drugs, abandonment, and abuse-passed around the foster care system like an unwanted toy and haunted by painful memories that never seemed to go away.

And this was just the beginning of the struggles Lavinia would face in her life as a young girl who found only nightmares in the place that should have been her greatest sanctuary.

Still, in experiencing these obstacles, she maintained a miraculous ability: the power to see the best in herself and others, to become strong and independent, and to emerge a better and more positive person on the other side.

Inspired...