<div>My name is Jenny (auntie JJ), best friends with Gracie’s mother, Taryn, for over 40 years.

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<div>I am starting this fundraiser for

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<div><strong>A Chance for Gracie: Help Us Pursue Her Stem Cell Treatment.</strong>

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<div>When Gracie was just eight years old, her life changed forever. On August 14, 2024 a devastating car accident left her paralyzed, changing the course of her life in an instant. Now, at just ten years old, Gracie continues to face challenges no child should ever have to endure. Yet through it all, she has never lost her beautiful smile, her determination, or her hope.

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<div>Before everything changed, Gracie was a happy, outgoing little girl who loved life. The pictures shared here are a reminder of who Gracie has always been—a beautiful, strong, and determined child whose spirit has never changed.

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<div>Like any little girl, Gracie has dreams. But this year, as her birthday approaches in September, her biggest wish isn’t for toys, clothes, or a party.

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<div><strong>Her wish for her 11th birthday is for the chance to pursue a promising stem cell treatment that could help improve her quality of life. </strong>

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<div>Over the past two years, Gracie's family has fought for every opportunity to help Gracie. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who supported the first GoFundMe, Gracie was able to use some of the funds to receive three adipose-derived stem cell treatments. Every dollar was stretched as far as possible because every opportunity mattered.

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<div>Since those treatments, we’ve witnessed changes that have filled Gracie's family with hope. Gracie now has complete head and neck control. She can hold her head up, move it from side to side, and has regained sensation in places never expected.

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<div>After her spinal cord injury, Gracie was told she likely wouldn’t have feeling below her chin. Today, she can feel the back of her head, neck and the tops of her shoulders. We can feel the muscles engaging when she tries to shrug her shoulders. She has started having other little feelings, but they come and go. These moments may seem small to some, but to us, they are nothing short of incredible.

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<div>One of the things that makes this progress so meaningful is that Gracie was told sensory return after 18 months following a spinal cord injury is uncommon. Gracie’s sensation began returning <strong>after</strong> she received her three adipose-derived stem cell treatments. While we know every person’s recovery journey is different, our friends, family, and Gracie’s treatment team believe these injections may have played a role in the improvements we have seen.

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<div>Gracie’s stem cell treatments are ongoing, and recovery continues to be a process that requires dedication, patience, and hope. Every treatment, every milestone, and every small improvement matter. Gracie's family is committed to continuing to give her every opportunity to grow stronger and reach her fullest potential.

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<div>Now Gracie has the opportunity to pursue a patient-funded treatment using MUSE (Multilineage-differentiating Stress Enduring) cells. Unlike the treatments she previously received, this therapy is significantly more expensive. However, <strong>MUSE cells are considered by many researchers to be among the most promising emerging approaches being studied for spinal cord repair</strong>.

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<div>These unique stem cells have the ability to naturally seek out damaged tissue, anchor to the site of injury, and develop into specific types of cells, including cells of the nervous system.

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<div>We know there are no guarantees. We understand that research is still ongoing and outcomes vary from person to person. But if there’s a chance this exceptional treatment could help Gracie gain even more function, independence, and a better quality of life, we have to try.

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<div>The treatment programs Gracie's family is considering range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the number of treatments she is able to pursue. At the $30,000 level, Gracie would receive four vials of MUSE cells. At the $50,000 level, she would receive seven vials of MUSE cells. Reaching our full $100,000 goal would allow Gracie to receive 20 vials of MUSE cells.

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<div>These treatments are given approximately every six weeks, and the ability to continue treatment is important because her family wants to give Gracie every possible opportunity to build on the progress she has already made. The more treatments they are able to afford, the more opportunities Gracie may have to continue working toward improved function and independence.

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<div>Our goal is to raise $100,000 to help cover the stem cell treatments, travel, lodging, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses associated with this journey.

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<div>This journey has changed every part of this family’s life. To care for Gracie full-time, Taryn made the heartbreaking decision to resign from her job after 17 years of dedicated service. Gracie requires constant care and cannot safely be left alone for any period of time. At this moment, Mom has no income coming in, and the funds from their previous fundraiser have been exhausted while doing everything they could to help Gracie receive medical care, adaptive equipment and treatment.

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<div>As parents, there is nothing more difficult than wanting to give your child every possible opportunity while knowing it is beyond your financial reach. Still, they refuse to give up. Gracie has taught us what perseverance looks like, and because of her, we will continue fighting every single day.

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<div>Today, we are asking for your help.

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<div>Whether you can donate $5 or $500, every contribution brings Gracie one step closer to this opportunity. If you are unable to donate, sharing her story with your family, friends, church, or community means more than you know.

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<div>Most of all, we ask for your prayers—for wisdom, for healing, for strength, and for hope.

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<div>Thank you for believing in Gracie. Thank you for walking alongside her and her family through one of the hardest journeys they have ever faced. Your kindness, generosity, and encouragement remind them that they are not alone.

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<div>Together, we can help make Gracie’s birthday wish come true.

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<div>Every share, every prayer, and every donation will give Gracie something priceless—<strong>hope</strong>.

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<div><strong>With love and gratitude on behalf of Gracie and her family!</strong>

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<ul>

<li>Some may prefer to Venmo trose0930
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Zander McGrane

Trisha Bowman

Lucas Brandon

Anonymous

Kimberly Winkelmann

Janice Hehmeyer

Maggi Blattel

Abbriel Peppler

Edward Corno

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ruth adair

Nancy Ade

Mary Reilly

Tonya Warfel

Denita Kos

Barbara Gliedt

A Chance for Gracie: Support Her Stem Cell Treatment

A Chance for Gracie: Support Her Stem Cell Treatment

Still $86,355 to go. Help us build momentum.