Raised in a Long Island neighborhood riddled with drug wars, Patti Chiappa faced experiences no child should have to know: drug lords robbing her house in broad daylight, frequent terrorization while she and her brother were home alone, and having to rebuff the advances of a lewd man on her way to the school bus. In addition to the frightening attacks she daily experienced, Patti also dealt with the cruel remarks of classmates about her weight. In the midst of so much turmoil, Patti found solace in the close bond her family shared. But in high school that bond was shattered by a betrayal from within as the effects of living in fear caused her family to turn on each other.