About Grace

Grace had just turned 15 and never made it attend high school as a 9th grader in Omaha, Nebraska. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma bone cancer during the COVID pandemic and was in her third year of fighting. Grace was a passionate advocate for herself and other cancer kids and dreamed of becoming a pediatric oncologist one day. She attended school as a homebound student throughout her diagnosis and treatment and never attended middle school in-person. Grace adored her service dog, Snickerdoodle and the two were never apart. When she was not in the hospital, she enjoyed cooking, baking, crafting and playing Roblox with friends online. Grace had her first true summer out of chemo in 2023, and planted an organic garden and picked berries to make jam.

Carrie was Grace's mom, caregiver and advocate. When Grace was diagnosed, she read books on cancer nutrition and cooked organics for Grace during treatment. She also was trained to manage her chemo port, home infusions, and provided basic nursing care for Grace at home. Prior to cancer, Grace had asthma and eczema. Carrie had to oversee not only cancer, but also help manage the constant needs of Grace's fragile skin with dressing changes and chemo infusions and her lung care. After Grace's passing, Carrie continues to spread awareness for osteosarcoma research and studies in honor of her beloved daughter. 

Snickerdoodle was just a six-week-old fluff ball with a round belly when she met Grace. Christmas Eve 2021 Grace puppy sat the entire litter of golden labradoodle puppies while the breeder Christmas shopped in Omaha. Just coming out of her first year of treatment, Grace was depressed and Carrie thought pet therapy with a litter of puppies might help cheer her up. Snickerdoodle had an instant bond and came to live with Grace a few weeks later. Snick alerted to Grace's medical needs instinctively and followed her everywhere like a fluffy apricot and cream shadow. Snick received service animal training as part of Grace's Make-A-Wish in 2022 and attended all doctor's appointments. 

The two were the best of friends and were regularly seen at UNMC.