A few weekends ago Grace was nominated to be the Victory Project honoree at the Sporting KC Game. We were in for a weekend of fun and lots of surprises. On Saturday, we were asked to attend the mens practice. At their soccer facility we learned this is where the USA soccer team also practices when they are in town. The facility is where their trophies are housed and it was created to be a place where they can completely focus on soccer. You walk in and they have a fully staffed kitchen, workout facility, rehab, and all medical equipment they need to be fully invested in their craft. It was an honor to be a guest in such a pristine facility. 

Here we met the player, helped with practice, and ended the practice playing with them. The men were remarkable human beings. Many were fathers themselves and knew how to interact with children. They loved on Grace, but even more than that they loved on our family.  When your family goes through something like cancer you often on think of the patient; however, I have come to learn how it affects the entire family unit. The entire family was loved on and given a moment to just breathe. 

We got to share Grace's bracelets with all the players and staff. They made a custom jersey for Grace to wear at the game the following day. They had a photographer on site all weekend to capture these remarkable moments. We just got to be us... what felt like the old us.

Then, we  went to Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy the weekend, between the soccer festivities. At Great Wolf Lodge they wined and dinned us. The kids enjoyed swimming, scavenger hunts, bubble dance parties, laser tag, arcades, build a bear, and so much more. We all had a blast.

Sunday was game day. Soccer is quite the deal here in KC. At the Sporting KC Stadium they have an orange chair in one of their suites. It can be spotted anywhere within the stadium. This chair is only for a child fighting cancer who has been nominated and chosen to be honored at one of their home games. This would be Gracies seat for the game. 

We were welcomed into the stadium and Grace was sent to do some shopping. After getting all kids of gear for the game, they showed her around he suite. Next up, was watching warm ups from the field. It was so fun to cheer them all on. William even was able to spot his teacher in the crowd! Friends and family attended the game too and all got to celebrate the experience of a life time. 

Before the game they play this remarkable video that chants, "I believe that we will win." Going to a soccer game you think it's talking about the home team winning... as the video goes on you will notice children being represented, then bald children...children fighting cancer.https://www.victorykc.org/ While the video played Gracies said I have cancer just like them. Then the whole stadium being chanting, " I believe that you will win." It was powerful to say the least. Next, they showed her on the jumbo tron and told her story. Lastly, the entire stadium began chanting her name, Grace.  It was a tear jerker. 

This moment will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the push we needed to keep going. It was such a remarkable weekend but also a weekend that showed we are still very much in this fight. Grace was in a wheel chair or carried all weekend long. Her neuropathy, a side effect of chemotherapy, has really began to affect her day to day living. The support of our town helped motivate us all that even in our struggles we can do this. We may have well over a year to go but Gracie will WIN. She will fight and she will conquer. We are all here to see it and stand with her to push her even when the going gets tough. 

As the game started she was wined and dinned with her favorite foods, drinks, a visit from the mascot, and so much more. We ended the game on the field watching the last few minutes up close in personal. There we saw players continue to wear their bracelets and support my girl. When the game was over we got to go on the field and get players signature on goalie gloves, hats, scarves, and a soccer ball. They hugged and loved on our girl. It was remarkable. They ended the event with a life size card cheering my girl on. There are truly no words to express my gratitude. I have put off writing this because I don't think anything I will write we do the weekend justice. We are so honored, thankful, and feel so blessed to have been gifted this remarkable experience. 

I believe that Grace will Win!

If you are moved by our story please consider donating or nominating a family you know battling cancer. https://www.victorykc.org/