In Aug. 2002, Gracen Stanek was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The two and a half-year-old girl underwent numerous surgeries and had to learn how to talk, walk and perform normal functions all over again. Gracen’s family supported and worked with her in order to make life as normal as it was before, but in Nov. 2009 another emergency hospital visit resulted in a stroke and left Gracen in a comatose state. When she awoke, Gracen had to learn basic day-to-day functions yet again. Her mother, Kendra, told me that Gracen didn’t know who anyone was when she woke up. She overcame more in seven years than many people do in a lifetime. She fought and never lost sight of what life was about - faith and family.
Today, Gracen is just like any other 7th grade girl. She is silly, loves to play with friends and her pets and she is a leader in her community. She is active in 4-H, FCCLA and Girl Scouts. Kendra makes sure Gracen is busy with tasks every day, just as she does with her younger daughter, Mattlin, who is only one year younger than Gracen. Gracen is not only busy with school activities, but she also attends speech and physical therapy sessions, which Mattlin also attends without complaint. Spending an afternoon with Gracen is full of laughs and there is truly never a dull moment with her.
In the past few weeks, I have gotten to know Gracen and her quirky personality. She loves to spend time with her friends and play outside with her sister on their four-wheelers at their home in rural Stillwater. She talks about boys, about who she believes is cute in her class. When I asked her what her favorite activity at home was she was quick to reply.
“Harassing the cat, Sammy,” Gracen said.
When spending time with Gracen, one cannot help but smile and laugh at the things she says and does. She has a kind and true heart and she isn’t afraid to speak what is on her mind. She is one of the most well-mannered children I have ever encountered, careful to always say thank you.
Gracen and her family have both been affected by the unfortunate events that troubled her childhood, but no one lets those troubles stand in their way. They do not question why this happened to Gracen, but rather embrace it for it bringing their family closer together. They rely on each other to be the best that they can be in all aspects of their lives. I highly admire the way Kendra has raised her girls to be kind leaders. The love the members of Gracen’s family have for each other is overtly apparent and is greatly admirable. One lesson to take from getting to know this remarkable girl is each and every day is a gift, and regardless of what hurdles are put in your way you must live life to the fullest.
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| Physical Therapy |
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| Physical Therapy |
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| Gracen, Kendra and Miss Nancy at Speech Therapy |
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| Speech Therapy |
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| Gracen playing with her dog, "Gundy" |
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| Gracen and her sister Mattlin riding four-wheelers |
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| The sisters on the four-wheeler. |
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| "Harassing" Sammy, the family cat |
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| Gracen and Sammy |
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| Mattlin, Gracen and Ali playing with Sammy |
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| Gracen and her friend Ali helping with dinner. |
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| Gracen helping with dinner |
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| Gracen and Ali checking out their class yearbook. |
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| A very typical Gracen Face |
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| Gracen and Miss Nancy at Speech Therapy. Gracen attends speech therapy twice a week. |
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| Flash card work at speech therapy. |
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| Checking out the "Holiday Helpers" list at Girl Scouts |
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| Gracen visiting with friends at Girl Scouts. |
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| Gracen showed me around her school, and she also showed me some of her artwork displayed on the walls. |
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