Pray for Grace

02/18/2021

I've been thinking about Grace's rupture and recovery lately - way more than usual. I think it's because I've been praying a lot for a man from our church who has been at Albany Med for 3 weeks now. Because of COVID, his wife cannot be with him. My heart breaks for her - the uncertainty, the powerlessness, the not knowing. If you're so inclined please pray for Jeremy, Jen, and their children.

The last time I posted an update here was nearly 2 years ago. I thought I'd share just a bit about what's going on with Grace. In the last 2 years she's graduated high school, worked at summer camp in 2019 as a counselor and sailing instructor, got her driver's license, took a family trip to Rome, Italy, worked full time in her gap year (COVID canceled her England trip) , volunteered 20 hours per week at "my" food pantry with Catholic Charities, hiked 3 of 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks (in 2020)- on her way to becoming a 46er. She is a Freshman at Gordon College, majoring in biology and minoring in French. Grace made the Dean's list. Perhaps her happiest moments on the highlight reel is spending time with Darren - friendly throughout high school - but connected the old fashioned way while he was at basic training on Parris Island - lots of letter writing. Darren is USMC Lance Corporal and we are all crazy about him. Look how cute they are! This photo was taken yesterday on the beach- Darren visited Grace for the afternoon for a late Valentine's Day.

I'm not sure how many updates I'll do going forward. I will keep this page up as some families who have had similar experiences, reach out to me after discovering the page. Please know how full of love and appreciation we are for your prayers and support. All is well. Grace is healthy, strong, and joyous.

11/09/2019

From now through November 23rd, ShopRite Supermarkets in the Capital Region are participating in fundraising efforts for Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med.

Whether you are shopping for the week or just stopping in for a gallon of milk, please consider making a contribution at the register or participating in one of our many fundraising events. Donations will help the hospital in its continuing mission to provide the very best care for children in our region.

Learn more at https://www.amc.edu/

05/21/2019

Two weeks ago Grace had her yearly CT with angiography to take a look at the rupture sight and to check on her general neurovascular health. We are happy to report that the test showed that Grace's neurovascular system is that of a perfectly strong and healthy 17 year old. Her neuro team feels certain that she is not in danger of any future complications and have discharged her from the practice. She's done. Grace, go live your life.

05/03/2019

If you're so inclined, please consider a gift to the Albany Med Children's Hospital or a children's hospital in your community.

Two years ago, Grace Powers, 17, of Averill Park, was enjoying the first week of her junior year when she suddenly felt nauseous and collapsed at school. Rushed to Albany Med, the previously healthy teen had experienced a hemorrhagic stroke. Listen to Grace and her mom share how doctors at Albany Med saved her life now on the News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY and 99.5 The River Cares for Kids Radiothon. Call 1-877-810-KIDS to support children like Grace, or consider donating online here: https://community.amc.edu/radiothon. Albany Med CMN

05/02/2019

Grace will be on air tomorrow morning 5/3 from 8am-9am with Chuck and Kelly on AM810/FM103.1 WGY. Tune in and listen to Grace talk about her positive experience at Albany Medical Center, thank her amazing doctors, and encourage listeners to support the Children's Hospital.

The 21st annual News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY and 99.5 The River Cares for Kids Radiothon is on the air! Your support helps sustain the programs and services available to more than 750,000 children of our region at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med – the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Become a miracle maker today! Call 1-877-810-KIDS, or donate online here: https://community.amc.edu/radiothon. Albany Med CMN

02/19/2019

Grace and Kim. I like to call Kim "Kim Karduckian". And it drives Grace nuts.

02/15/2019

I'm grateful that time marches on. There are so many times when we lament about how quickly life passes with kids. But it's exciting to watch them grow - a true blessing and privilege.

If *there* is a "normal", life for our family is pretty much back to normal. Grace took her SATS this fall, applied to colleges, gotten her driving permit, started a weekend job, taken a couple of road trips with friends, and gotten her braces off after 2 years and 9 months!! I think for now - she's leaning toward Gordon College, which we love. We pray that it is the right fit for her and all the financial stuff works out.

Surprisingly I don't have many recent photos. This is one I have from the Foreign Language Lip Sync competition last week - it's of Grace's French 5 class. They are holding photos of their beloved teacher, Mr. Brown, an amazing teacher (and wonderful support to Grace when she transitioned back to school).

Notice Grace's smile - the first one showing teeth in years....

11/08/2018

It's been a while since I posted here. We've had an incredibly busy fall season chock full of activities: from homecoming to halloween, college visits, school work, National Honor Society, a 5k race, volleyball senior night, and Grace's 17th birthday. As always we are grateful for Grace's continued healing and for all the love and support from our community, church, and friends. Every day is a gift.

10/03/2018

In our infancy, we were led by an amazing researcher Dr. William L. Young who's impact is felt all over UCSF. He wrote 's (National Organization for Rare Diseases) entire entry and advised us on our original fact sheet. Please read his NORD entry and be sure to share our latest fact sheet this month. While Dr. Young is no longer with us, his legacy is in every survivor. http://bit.ly/nordAVM

09/22/2018