Gianna was born in 1922 in Magenta, Italy.  She grew up in large Catholic family and enjoyed skiing and mountain climbing.  She studied medicine and eventually specialized in pediatrics.  In 1955, Gianna married Pietro Molla.  Together they had three children and suffered two miscarriages.  When Gianna became pregnant for the fifth time, her doctor discovered a tumor in her uterus.  A hysterectomy was recommended, but Gianna refused in defense of her unborn baby's life.  The tumor was removed without performing the hysterectomy.  In April 1962, Gianna's daughter was born.  However, complications from delivery caused an infection in Gianna.  The following week, Gianna passed away.  Her daughter named Gianna Emanuela Molla became a doctor herself and travels the world sharing the story of her mother.

Gianna was canonized in 2004.  St. Gianna, pray for us!