Evonna Hedbavny Race grew up in Wisconsin, where some of her earliest memories were shaped by a tavern environment, alcoholism, family conflict, and domestic violence. Amid that instability, her grandfather Fred Smith became her hero. A self-taught artist and founder of Wisconsin Concrete Park, his determination and creativity left a lasting impression on her.

Evonna found outlets in music, ballet, work, and later a career as a flight attendant a profession she deeply enjoyed. Her life changed after meeting professional wrestler Harley Race in 1966. Their relationship eventually became a twenty-four-year marriage that carried her into the world of professional wrestling and across the United States, Australia, Japan, and beyond.

Behind those experiences were years of turmoil that Evonna ultimately chose to confront. Following her divorce, she spoke publicly about domestic abuse through radio and television, including an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her memoir reflects not only on what she endured but on survival, motherhood, self-acceptance, independence, and the strength required to begin again.