Through those years’ thirteen major surgeries and use of a wheelchair Lisa has maintained a fulfilling and positive life. Lisa has achieved successful careers as an administrative law judge, a policy advisor for the Michigan state senate and governor, an advocate for people with disabilities and for improving end-of-life care, and is dedicated to helping others lead more fulfilling lives. In pursuit of the latter, Lisa spends her free time giving enthusiastic, inspiring talks to groups large and small, describing her Italian-American upbringing and how Coraggio—courage—is the common trait that enables Old World characters to trek resiliently through hardship and suffering.