Marty Doyle (Alley) is a hard working waitress. Despite her wisecracking and positive demeanour, she feels her life is pretty empty, with only one plus point; a new relationship.

One day, her life is turned upside down when she is knocked down by a car. In that instant, Marty loses the use of her legs and her sense of self-worth, and, soon after, she loses her boyfriend. Though she attempts to get on with life, her efforts are dealt a massive blow when she is mugged. Feeling utterly despondent and depressed, Marty starts to feel sorry for herself and turns to alcohol. Just when she’s at her lowest, she meets and befriends Joe Mulvey, (Beghe) a fellow paraplegic, who helps her cope with her new way of life.