Growing up with a tyrant for a father was bad enough for Richard; however, there is  a bigger problem - he is a girl trapped in a boy’s body.  Richard uses this internal anxiety to fuel his excellence in track and swimming.  
As a teen, Richard is invited to U.S. Olympic swim trials.  His father’s response, “don’t be disappointed when you don’t come close to making the team.”  Prior to leaving for the trials, Richard succumbs to his feelings and models his sister’s clothes.  His father discovers Richard in full female attire and throws him out of the house.
Richard’s only saving grace is an understanding sister, Deb, a girl friend and the swim coach.  The coach houses Richard until graduation and serves as a life coach.  Although Richard does not make the team, he earns a college scholarship.  He graduates, marries a fellow student and becomes a teacher and coach.  

Richard dismisses his earlier thoughts about being female, until a student athlete confides in him regarding similar feelings.  Later this teen commits suicide. Richard’s life unravels.  His wife leaves him, his sister has Multiple Sclerosis, and he lands in a deep, dark place. These events lead to a decision…becoming Dana!
The process of transition is physically and emotionally crushing, but Dana crawls her way through to the other side.  Additionally, her mom  and dad are dying and Dana must decide how to reveal herself to them.  Courage through her intestinal fortitude, connecting with her faith in God and with the help of friends, she has hope. 
Dana finds a fresh life - full of unknowns, but possibilities.  She takes another shot to achieve a goal by competing in the Senior Olympics.  Her olympic experience is both uplifting and devastating.  Dana publishes her story and stops hiding in plain sight.