After she finished her PhD at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Tammy Redman continued working there as a postdoctoral fellow, but in 1997 she decided to move back to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be near her family, which included her twin sister, Terri; her older sister, Cindy, and Cindy's two young daughters; and her parents. Terri bought an old house near the University of New Mexico, and Tammy shared the house and the house payments with her. They fixed up the house, refurbished the yard, and became a part of the delightful old neighborhood. In 1998 Tammy was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She was determined to declare war on this monster and face it head-on. Along the way she learned many things-practical, scientific, and personal things. Tammy spent most of her last year traveling, seeking some way to vanquish the monster that was cancer. The author, her mother, went with her to offer companionship and support. Not Without a Fight is the story of Tammy's battle with cancer, seeking a cure but finding a miracle of strength and devotion and family unity through her courageous quest.