Randy suffers many setbacks but finally leaves the hospital for a rehab center. After one day there he is rushed back to the hospital where, after two weeks of tests, he despairs of getting well and decides to starve himself. A Christian friend confronts him, and Randy decides to try again. He sees many others suffering and witnesses to one disfigured man. After four months, he finally goes home. Church becomes a lifeline. He tries to return to college but abandons classes because of his poor health. He manages to preach some and write a book.