From the time Frances was born, the odds were stacked against her. She was born to Italian immigrants in 1917; her father resented her for being a girl, and her mother resented her for being born at all. And when a rift in the family left the girl and her mother alone and penniless, things managed to get even worse: she was taken away to an orphanage, left in the care of stern nuns who never offered the hysterically crying six-year-old an ounce of comfort. But the same girl who spent her formative years facing feelings of abandonment and isolation managed to grow into a woman full of positivity and gratitude, overcoming astounding obstacles and never showing a hint of bitterness. This inspiring true story documents the incredible life of Frances, and how she has faced each instance of adversity and prejudice in her life armed with sweetness and grace. Written candidly and affectionately by Frances's daughter, Arleen Mercorella, A Matter of Survival is a testament to the ability to overcome life's challenges-a true inspiration for those facing hardships of any type in their lives.