A mother and a model, a nail technician and a firefighter, Hansi Holloway has covered a lot of territory in her lifetime.

As a plus-size model, Hansi became a spokesperson for those who struggle with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, one of the most mis-diagnosed conditions in women. She also advocates for stylish and colorful clothing for plus size women.

Neither size nor medical condition has deterred Hansi from seeking her goals. "When I decided I was going to become a firefighter, I did," she says. She became the first female in her community to gain certification to drive a fire truck.

"Once," she laughs, "I was doing a magazine photo shoot at the local firehouse when the alarm went off. I threw on my turnout gear, told the photographer I would be back soon, jumped in the fire truck and took off. I was going through the middle of town, sirens wide open, when I realized that, in addition to my firefighting gear, I was wearing a tiara."

In 2005, Hansi had a life-altering experience with her local medical community. Nine months pregnant, she entered her local hospital to deliver a healthy, nine pound son. In less than twelve hours, her baby was brain dead, the victim of a system and a set of practices she never before knew existed.

In the year since her son's birth, and death, Hansi has undertaken a grueling examination of common medical practices, many of which are kept from uninformed patients.

"Literally," says Hansi, "What you don't know can kill you. It is my goal to see that I educate others so that they can make informed choices about their medical care. When it comes to what is being done to your body, you need to know how to take back your power."