Maddie lives to row and has every intention of making it onto a college crew team. Nothing can stop her: not wind, rain, or sweltering heat. Nothing but the excruciating pain she experiences from endometriosis. She’s tried everything—from hormone treatments to alternative medicine—and her only hope is surgery. But Maddie’s pain is suddenly forced to take a backseat when her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. Maddie’s surgery is postponed as her mother’s own surgery looms. The upcoming season will make or break her chances at college crew, but Maddie finds it impossible to focus with the fear that grips their household and the pain that grips her body. Maddie must find a way to take care of herself and move forward, even as her family struggles to stay afloat.
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Sandi Van is a writer, counselor, and former soccer coach from Buffalo, New York. She is the author of YA verse novels Everything It Takes, Listen Up, and Second in Command. Mom to two boys, both adopted from South Korea, Sandi hates the term soccer mom but embraces her role as one and loves cheering from the sidelines. You can follow her on social media @sandivanwrites or visit her website at sandivan.com.