Bella Lucia has been a writer since age twelve and a poet since eighteen. She happens to have facial difference involving a severe, restored bilateral cleft lip and palate. She is a retired master's prepared advance practice registered nurse/nurse practitioner with a long career in the healthcare industry. Her true story is one of triumph and hope over her congenital birth defect, creating strength and courage along her journey. She never let bullying or maltreatment impede her as she endeavored to achieve her personal and professional dreams. Lucia's ambition is to inspire and empower others with facial difference, their families, friends and acquaintances. She lives with her husband and Boston Terrier in Kansas.