13 year old Gracie Van Brunt has a dream – to compete on American Idol. And she's already had an audition of sorts with Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. She's a normal teen who's also dealing with an unusual burden; she suffers from a rare disease that almost took her life. Ted Reinstein tells her story of fighting back against the hardship life has dealt her. Also tonight, we have two other profiles in courage. Dr. Thomas Graboys, a nationally renowned Boston cardiologist, reveals his private struggle with two debilitating illnesses. And we'll follow the progress of Mike Nelson, as he tries to cope with the aftereffects of a decades old car accident that left him severely burned.

Show Resources:

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Foundation
127 Western Avenue
Sherborn, MA 01770
877-737-4685
Schwachman-Diamond Foundation
4sskids@shwachman-diamond.org

Life In The Balance by Thomas Graboys, M.D., with Peter Zhueutlin

Dr. Joel J. Feldman
300 Mt. Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-661-5998
Dr. Joel Feldman
info@DrJoelFeldman.com

Lown Cardiovascular Center