Page 29 - pediatric_stroke_warriors_family_toolkit

Dance helped me recover and find my purpose after I got sick, and there
GRACIE DORAN – PEDIATRIC
STROKE WARRIOR
“It is a miracle that I lived through
everything, and I believe I’m alive
for a reason. I’m here to show the
world that you can’t control what
happens to you, but that you can
control what you do because of
what happened.
Your disability, no matter what it
is, does not have to define you.”
GET CONNECTED
WEB: www.graciedoran.com
TWITTER : @daysofgrace99
EMAIL: daysofgrace99@gmail.com
is nothing that makes me happier than to see the kids smiling when they
start to dance.
It is a miracle that I lived through everything, and I believe I’m alive for a
reason. I’m here to show the world that you can’t control what happens
to you, but you can control what you do because of what happened. You
control your future, so when someone tells you that you can’t do some-
thing, show them you can. Your disability, no matter what it is, does not
have to define you.
I have been fortunate to share my story at schools and to community
members. I speak about resilience and showing people that you can do
anything you can set your mind to. I have a favorite quote from Audrey
Hepburn, “Nothing is impossible — the word itself says I’m possible.” I
share the message that our differences don’t define us as people. What
is “normal,” and who wants to be normal anyway? Our differences make
us unique as individuals and beautiful in our own way. We may be very
different on the outside, but we all share hopes and dreams. We all want
to grow up and be successful and have a fulfilling life of our own.
My hope is to continue to
be an advocate for people
like me who may not have
a voice. I want to continue
to make an impact and be
proud of what I’ve done.
Someday, I want to be able
to share the stories of my
life with my children and
grandchildren, and make
them proud.
This is my disABLEd life.
Gracie Doran - Warrior