Community Corner
Whiz Kid: A Motivational Life
A year ago, 11 year old Gracie Doran had a stroke, but that hasn't stopped this Whiz Kid from achieving her goals.
Whiz Kid’s Name: Gracie Doran, 11
School: Aliso Viejo Middle School, sixth grade student
Keys to her Awesomeness: Gracie was a typical young girl who enjoyed school, was a competitive dancer, served on student council and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. All that changed one and half years ago. Gracie had a stroke. In just a few moments, her life changed forever. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, had to endure two surgeries and was in a medically induced coma. When she began to awaken, she could remember her life but she could not perform even the simplest of tasks such as smiling or speaking clearly. She was completely paralyzed. Although her doctors hoped she would eventually recover, Grace’s determination exceeded all of her doctors’ timelines and expectations. She worked very hard to relearn how to do many of the things that were once simple to her. Before the stroke, Gracie was “right handed” but afterwards, she had to learn how to write with her left hand. Today Gracie is on the honor roll at school and takes a leadership role with her student council. She continues to take dance lessons and also participates in gymnastics, swimming and ASB at school. She has helped to raise funds for Choc Hospital (as she did even before she had the stroke) and she even finds the time to write a bi-. She spends time educating others about good health for the heart, strokes and “Ability Awareness” issues.
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What Makes Her “Stand Out” Among Others: Gracie is strong and even a little stubborn at times. She has a very positive attitude. She does not dwell on what has happened to her. Instead, she does everything she can do to reclaim her life. She rarely complains about her situation. She plans for the future as if she never had a stroke. Nothing will get in the way of her realizing her dreams.
What Her Future Plans Are: Gracie would like to be a Motivational Speaker. She would also like to speak on behalf of other people who are faced with challenges.
