Before cancer, Gracey, along with her two brothers, was very active. She and her mother and brothers did a lot of fishing, camping and hunting. She was also a 4-H’er and played sports. Gracey seemed to be experiencing fatigue, but her family attributed it to the fact that she was the pitcher of two softball teams. However, they became increasingly concerned when after a visit to family out of state for the summer, she came back having lost weight and with bone aches and high fevers. 
 
Gracey was diagnosed with hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. During treatment, her family was told that because of genetics she wouldn’t stay in remission long, so a search started for a bone marrow donor, but it proved challenging. Her brothers and mother weren't a match and her father had died of cancer 13 years prior. A search nationally and internationally took place. Finally, after three months, two stem cells were available and she received both. While Gracy had not experienced harsh side effects from her previous treatments, the stem cells caused many complications.  
 
Because of Gracey’s cancer, Gracey’s mom had to stop working for 18 months until her daughter was ok to be left alone. During this time she received support from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and just a few months ago, she returned to work in a part time capacity.
 
Gracey is now 17, in remission but dealing with the aftermath of treatments. Her mom hopes that Gracey’s cancer will never return, that she will be able to finish high school, play sports, have children and live a normal life. Gracey is truly her “Wonder Woman.”
 
Hero Quote: “Always Smile.”
 
Information provided by Michelle Smith, Gracey’s mother
August 2014

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