Saving Amazing Grace

When Gracie was two, her family was told there was nothing that could be done for her and that they should take her home, love her and just keep her comfortable. Her family refused to take that as an answer.

They sent her records to 25 major heart centers across the country offering double heart and lung transplants, pleading their case. She was denied treatment to every single one – except Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Heart Center in Columbus, Ohio – a world-class diagnostic, treatment and research facility for pediatric and adult patients with all forms of congenital heart defects and conditions.

There, Dr. Cheatham conducted three rounds of experimental procedures to force Gracie’s lungs to grow in preparation for her fourth open heart surgery – the same surgery countless doctors never thought she would live to see. In October of 2014, Gracie’s open heart surgery was a success. Today, her family willingly travels six hours to Nationwide Children’s from Pennsylvania for her cardiac and pulmonary care. Although once told she had only limited time left to live, Gracie today is a strong, rambunctious first grader who loves playing baseball, riding bikes and going to school. When you donate to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, you give kids like Gracie a second chance at not only living, but living a quality life.

 

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When Gracie was two, her family was told there was nothing that could be done for her and that they should take her home, love her and just keep her comfortable. Her family refused to take that as an answer.

They sent her records to 25 major heart centers across the country offering double heart and lung transplants, pleading their case. She was denied treatment to every single one – except Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Heart Center in Columbus, Ohio – a world-class diagnostic, treatment and research facility for pediatric and adult patients with all forms of congenital heart defects and conditions.

There, Dr. Cheatham conducted three rounds of experimental procedures to force Gracie’s lungs to grow in preparation for her fourth open heart surgery – the same surgery countless doctors never thought she would live to see. In October of 2014, Gracie’s open heart surgery was a success. Today, her family willingly travels six hours to Nationwide Children’s from Pennsylvania for her cardiac and pulmonary care. Although once told she had only limited time left to live, Gracie today is a strong, rambunctious first grader who loves playing baseball, riding bikes and going to school. When you donate to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, you give kids like Gracie a second chance at not only living, but living a quality life.

 

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