The Dayton Dutch Lions FC, Dr. Suresh Gupta and The DOC (Dayton Outpatient Center) are proud to sponsor “The Amazing Gracie Foundation” and “The Amazing Gracie’s Believe and You can 5K Run” and “Soccer Shootout” on August 16th at the West Carrollton Soccer Complex. The foundation was established to honor Gracie, who she was, her brave fight and that she continues to be an important part for all that knew her.
The Dayton Dutch Lions FC honored Amazing Gracie and her family at the August 2nd game at the DOC stadium at West Carrollton High School.
The goal of this event is to provide college scholarships to local students who have been through hard times and have pushed forward and never gave up! Additionally, 25% of all the profits will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gracie’s name.
In 2006, when Gracie Rae Purdum was 15 months old, she was diagnosed with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma. She had a tumor in her right adrenal gland that was removed on April 5, 2006. Over the next 5 years, Gracie was doing well, and on April 8, 2011, she was declared 5 years cancer free. Unfortunately, during that time Gracie had sinus infections that just weren’t getting better and was feeling very tired. The day before Easter she had a very high fever & started showing right side weaknesses in her leg, arm and face. On April 25, 2011, an MRI revealed that she had multiple lesions on her brain. Fortunately, Gracie was part of a register at St. Jude from her previous cancer & St. Jude asked if we’d like to bring her for treatment in Memphis, TN. On May 16, 2011, a biopsy confirmed that Gracie had a high-grade thalamic glioma – an inoperable brain tumor that affected the right side of her body similar to a stroke. Gracie’s second battle began. The initial treatment consisted of oral chemo and radiation. She received 31 radiation treatments for which she had to be sedated. Gracie gave herself the medicine to put herself to sleep every day. Gracie’s anesthesiologist was so impressed with her because no child had ever done that before, he gave Gracie a certificate that resembled his own degree. On August 1, 2011, Gracie’s battle started another phase. She was able to come back to Ohio, but had to travel back to St. Jude every other week for treatment. She was even given a very aggressive chemotherapy that had only been given to adults. Initially, the treatment seemed to be fighting the cancer and Gracie seemed to be doing well. As each chemo became ineffective, St. Jude tried another until Gracie went to heaven on September 2, 2012. Gracie battled for almost 17 months. She was a happy, loving child who was very brave & strong and fought this horrible disease. Even on her worse days, she found something to smile about, and she had a beautiful smile.
Gracie and her family are a great example of staying strong, keeping your head up, and never, ever giving up. They still inspire people today! Gracie became a spokesperson for The St. Jude Research Hospital and encouraged so many others while fighting her own fight. After her passing, the community came together and supported their family. Gracie loved soccer and her favorite color was purple, the City of West Carrollton pained the goal near her final resting place purple to honor this Amazing child. The community will always remember its brave St. Jude Hero, Amazing Gracie!
If you are interested in participating in the 5K Run/Walk/Soccer Shootout or becoming a sponsor, please contact Carrie Purdum at csng23@gmail.com.