Cynthia Farmer

Jacksonville, Florida

For 17 years, Cindy Farmer had fought a losing battle with the unknown. Even as her symptoms grew worse — leaving her unable to walk or write her name — Cindy was left in the dark about her illness. But then her doctor referred her to Mayo Clinic, where she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called POEMS syndrome. After a bone marrow transplant, Cindy has now made a dramatic recovery.

"The fact is, I wouldn't have met my grandson if it weren't for Mayo Clinic," says Cindy. "They gave me my life back."