Grace Kirby

Hi All !

Many of you have been asking how you can help Jill and Bruce Kirby through the next few weeks of recovery for Grace.

Grace’s story begins on Friday March 23,2018-  Jill took Grace in for what was to be a routine MRI from the neck down to locate the pain Grace had been having in her arm from what she thought was a sports injury/strain. One doctors last minute request to do a full quick scan from head to toe, produced devastating news. After calling in an emergency dentist to remove her braces, they set up a full brain MRI the following morning, which confirmed the original findings – a brain tumor. The tumor was located in the center of the brain, where extracting it completely, could be very dangerous as it lies against important blood vessels/tissue and the part of the brain that deals with short term memory and procedural aspects for her like (walking,talking etc.). The head of the Neurology Department said this specific tumor is so rare that only 15 case studies have been reported in the last 100 years. As you can imagine – the next few days were a whirlwind. Monday followed with a minor brain surgery where they did a biopsy to see if it was benign or malignant. After two recovery days in the hospital waiting on results – the tests came back non cancerous! A positive yes – but the Neuro Team then had the tough task of removing the tumor and on April 16th after 6 hours of surgery , the doctors came out of the operating room to tell Jill and Bruce they have removed 99% of the tumor. Prayers answered !


Anyone that knows Grace, knows that she lives up to her name. She’s the most energetic, happy, caring animal lover there is ! Grace spent a total of 17 days in the hospital with 7 of those in ICU – one can only imagine what the total of those medical bills will look like. Bruce and Jill are both teachers for Fort Worth ISD and without going into details on FWISD denying Jill’s request for Emergency Sick Leave Bank, let’s just say it’s already been a hard hit to their income . Yes – they can take FMLA and continue to stay at home with Grace through her recover and doctor’s appointments, but that is NOT paid leave. With the medical bills mounting and the weekly loss of pay, this is where you come in and YOU can help !  You asked – what can we do?? How can I help?? Here it is!  In addition to prayers and sending your love, donating to the many expenses is a great way to help reduce some of the stress and worry that now comes along with the financial burden of fighting this tumor.

Bruce, Jill and Grace are very grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have already received from family, friends, and even strangers. The Aledo Community and their Fort Worth friends have all been so very supportive ! So, if you are looking for something else you can do, let's get together and GIVE! Any amount will help! The money raised in this campaign will help with unforeseen expenses that may arise regarding costs that their insurance will not cover, time both Jill and Bruce miss from work and miscellaneous expenses all in the effort to get Grace healthy again!

For all of those that love the entire Kirby Family who is a huge part of not only the Aledo community but Fort Worth as well – please donate if you can.

If you cannot donate financially, please share and keep Grace and the entire Kirby Family in your prayers!


“be known for your kindness and grace.”
 

#gracestrong
#prayforgrace
#gracewins