Gianna was born near Milan, in northern Italy. She was from a big family: she was the 10th of 13 children. As she was finishing high school, both of her parents died within months of one another. She enrolled to study medicine in college. During her time in college, she attended daily Mass, spent time in adoration, and often prayed the rosary. She loved the outdoors, skied, and hiked. Gianna became a physician and surgeon and later specialized in pediatrics and maternity. She married Pietro Molla in 1955 and had 3 children. She embraced the vocation of family life together with her vocation to serve as a medical doctor. She became pregnant with her 4th child and, two months into the pregnancy, doctors discovered a large ovarian cyst. She refused to abort or to put her child in any danger throughout the remainder of the pregnancy, knowing well she was risking her own life. A few days before her daughter was born she said, “If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate; choose the child. I insist on it. Save the baby.” St. Gianna Beretta Molla gave birth to Gianna Emanuela and the saint died a week later on April 28, 1962 at only 39 years of age. Today, her daughter Gianna Emanuela is also a physician and deeply involved in the Pro-Life movement. She cared for her father Pietro Molla until his death in 2010. Fun fact: The love letters between St. Gianna and Pietro Molla are beautiful and have been translated into English.