UPDATE: April 14 memorial service slated for Grace Bunke
Grace Bunke, a Walton High School freshman and U.S. Paralympic athlete who made her battle with cancer public, died on Sunday.
Grace would have turned 15 years old today
A post by her mother, Vicki Bunke on her daughter’s Caring Bridge page on Sunday delivered the news:
“At 1:18 in the afternoon today, Grace departed her earthly home for her eternal one. Not until the very moment that Grace took her last breath did I realize how much strength and courage it takes to leave your loved ones and face death. She held on as long as she could, and we will always cherish every minute of every day that we had together as a family of four. My heart holds so much anguish, love, and admiration for her and for Caroline. Perhaps what hurts the most is admitting that here with us was no longer the best place for Grace; but rather, there – in Heaven – is the best place.”
Grace was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, at the age of 11. She underwent many rounds of chemotherapy, had part of a leg amputated and had two lung surgeries during her ordeal.
Grace used her illness to raise money and awareness for cancer research, through organizations like the Rally Foundation and Swim Across America. Originally a track and field athlete, she turned to swimming in 2015, training at Swim Atlanta in East Cobb, and later became a member of the Walton and U.S. Paralympic teams.
The U.S. Paralympic Swimming team offered this statement about Grace today.
Here’s what Grace wrote about her cancer battle for the Rally Foundation:
“Although it might seem to others that I am just a very small fish in a very, very big and often unforgiving sea, I can still make a difference. I can make a difference by sharing my story and raising money desperately needed for research.
“Please don’t feel sorry for me. I believe one way God loves us is to let us love others. To provide hope to others. You provide me great hope. Your generous financial support for Rally allows my life to have an impact.
“Together, we will change the outcome for kids with cancer. I am hopeful and believe that you and I, and researchers, with God’s help, will one day give all kids fighting cancer a bright, long future.”
Vicki Bunke said in her post Sunday that Grace asked that donations could be made in her honor at the 2018 Swim Across America fundraising page. All proceeds will benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where Grace was treated.
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