Lourdes of the Rings

In reality, no one in her family has demonstrably benefited from the phenomenon to which she's devoted the last three years. Her own legs give her such trouble that Torrez rarely walks the labyrinths herself. And in spite of her best efforts, her teenage grandson, blind since birth, has absolutely no interest in the healing powers of grandma's pet project.

"I had a labyrinth painted on the ground behind the bridal shop in Phoenix," she says. "Now the kids rollerblade around on it."

Kay Torrez smiles wistfully. "What's the old phrase? 'The cobbler's family has no shoes.' Well, that's me. No shoes, just labyrinths.