The Wilson Daily Times issued an article about Graci on July 10th. If you haven't read the article I ask that you take this time now because it will touch your heart and make you realize what an amazing little girl she is and becoming everyday.
http://www.wilsontimes.com/News/Local/Story/An-ear-for-Graci--
After the article, the community was so touched by a brave little girl and who's parents went out on faith to do what was best for their child and that was giving her the dream of having two matching ears, like her brother. My husband and I certainly knew this was an expensive surgery, but; what we didn't know, was the struggles and battles that we were going to face with the insurance company. We would have invested in a fund for Graci earlier and would have better prepared ourselves. Me working for the county, Thomas working in the restaurant business and having two children to provide for, we had no idea where all this money was going to come from. But there was one thing for certain and that was we had waited for this moment every since she was born. In my heart I knw that God would make a way and the good news is he already has.
We started the "Graci Ear Fund" with State Employees Credit Union only because the reporter from the newspaper suggested it. I am not one to beg for money or even let people know of my financial burdens . We all are facing battles and each every one of us has burdens that we carry and mine probably seem very small to others. Therefore, all this was difficult for me. Working as a Social Worker, there are so many people less fortunate and my heart goes out to the ones that have to struggle just to feed their family. Anyway, the tears are pouring down my face as I continue to write about the generosity of the community that we live in. Kay Bunch, The executive Director of The Arc here in Wilson was so disappointed in the insurance that she graciously sent out an email to others taking up donations and the response was and unbelievable. The generosity and the thoughtfullness of everyone has been amazing. Also, a dear friend of my husbands has been working so hard to get people to donate money to help with the completion of Graci's Surgeries. Many Fundraisers are in place and the community is reaching out and working together. Wilson is a Wonderful Place to Live :)
I didn't know how to express thanks for the blessings and good things in my life until this journey. I guess I just sometimes took things for granted like we all do. It always seems that acknowledging all the blessings in your life would result in bad luck. Now, I an quick to express thanks whenever good comes into my life, and I walk with a grateful heart. God has changed me and blessed me and I am so thankful. My family can't thank you enough and words can't describe how I feel in my heart to all of you. With the economy the way it is, I appreciate everyone for donating their hard earn money to my sweet little girl. I am so thankful and thank God for each and everyone of you. I hope that you'll find things in your life that fill you with thankfulness.
Graci will never forget this and all the support that she has throughout this journey; it will only make her stronger!!
Stay in touch about Upcoming Fundraisers!!
About Me
- Mary Brown
- I am a mother of a beautiful daughter with Hemifacial Microsomia. Graci has changed my life forever. I am so thankful for every day God gives me with her. I believe God created her the way he wanted her to be; and placed her in my life for a reason. I pray that he gives me strength and guidance I need to raise her to be a beautiful lady. Graci was born with mulitple birth defects. She has already undergone several surgeries and now we have reached the point in her life where she will have ear reconstuction on her microtia. This blog is for family, friends and others to read as we go through this amazing journey in California as Graci gets her new ear.
Mary, Your story and Graci's story has truly blessed me in SO many ways!!! Wilson is such a great community in which to live and raise a family. I am sooo excited to be a part of PD's fundraiser for Graci! I know that God is going to do great things for and through Graci!!!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Karen
I am also an AuthorHouse author who recently published a book. While I was looking for my position in the new releases I came across your book about Graci. I instantly ordered one and can't wait for it to come. I too am using part of my royalties to benefit others. My book is about my best friend's experience with illness and a resulting amputation as narrated by a child and fully illustrated by me. It's called "Boo-Boo's New Leg". I wish you much success with the book especially since you it will benefit Graci's medical expenses. She looks a lot like a girl I know. Hugs and Kisses!
ReplyDeleteMary Garcia