Grace Prentice, 13, of Sallisaw is known for her bright personality, love of cats and unique indy-emo style.
But behind her vibrant smile lies a lifelong fight against congenital heart defects, a battle that has led her to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where she now awaits a life-saving heart transplant.
Born missing a chamber in her heart, Grace has endured multiple open-heart surgeries and countless hospital stays. Her condition also affects her liver, kidneys, immune system and oxygen levels, making even daily life a challenge. Yet, those who know her describe her as a cheerful, creative teen who still finds joy in playing with slime, collecting stuffed animals,and making new friends at school.
Recently, Grace’s health declined when her regular heart failure medications began losing effectiveness. Doctors determined she was strong enough to be placed on the transplant list, and on Sept. 29, she was admitted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She now receives IV heart failure medications as she waits possibly for days, weeks or even months, for the call that a donor heart is available.
“This journey has placed a tremendous financial and emotional strain on Grace’s family,” reads the description on a GoFundMe page created to help support them. “The wait could be days, weeks or even months, but her doctors are hopeful given her age, health status, and the fact that she is in the hospital on IV meds.”
Grace’s father, Thomas Prentice, has paused work to stay with her full-time at the hospital, while her mother, Lacey Prentice, continues working in Sallisaw to maintain their home and cover household expenses. Lacey drives three hours each way to visit Grace and Thomas on weekends, facing mounting costs for gas, meals and vehicle maintenance.
To help ease the family’s financial burden, family friend Jolee Burrell, Lacey’s best friend and coworker, organized the GoFundMe fundraiser. Burrell, who describes Grace as “like a niece,” said all donations will go directly toward medical, travel and household expenses.
“I have set up an account solely for this,” Burrell wrote on the fundraiser page. “As donations come in, I will be transferring the funds to Lacey’s bank account for medical expenses, gas, vehicle maintenance, travel, meals, and bills for two homes. Please help us out and share the link to spread the word.”
Despite the hardships, Grace and her family remain hopeful and strong.
“With a new heart, Grace has the chance to experience life in a way she never has before— to breathe easily, to play and to simply be a kid,” the GoFundMe reads.
Community members are encouraged to donate, share the fundraiser, and keep Grace and her family in their thoughts and prayers as they face this critical journey together.
To contribute or learn more, visit the GoFund-Me page “Help Grace Get Her New Heart” or contact organizer Jolee Burrell at 918-208-7337.
