Local teen combine her passion with well- known children’s hospital in Tupelo
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – This was Gracie Lee Cole, at the age of ten, learning how to walk again, after brain surgery.
Gracie Lee was in a tumbling class when she experienced severe vertigo and fainting spells. At LeBonheur Children’s she was diagnosed with chairi malformation. A condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal cord.
Her granddad, Former ICC President Doctor David Cole, recalls the diagnosis and what followed.
‘It was a traumatic experience, especially for a grandfather, to be there at LeBonheur waiting on her while she was in surgery. Everything was very successful and we are blessed and we have dues to pay,” said Dr. Cole.
That is why Gracie Lee, who, at 16, is Miss Barnes Crossing Teen, is organizing a golf tournament for LeBonheur. It is called ‘Courage on the Course.” Participants in the four man scramble are asked to bring a toy for the kids at LeBonhuer.
“When I was having brain surgery I remember being wheeled to the toy wall and it gave me hope and joy that on the other side of the wall that was waiting for me,” Gracie Lee said.
The Golf Tournament takes place April 28th at Tupelo National Golf Club. Hilary Whitehorn is with Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center in Tupelo. She says it is encouraging to see the IAHS Sophomore raising awareness, and money, for the children’s hospital that impacts so many local families.
‘We get a front row seat to the miracles , the blessings. Lots of wonderful things come out of there, and like she said, it doesn’t just touch the patient’s life, we are there for the entire family, they are at the forefront of everything we do. A lot of things we do here in Tupelo are so our families will have care they need, without the commute,” Whitehorn saidl
These days, Gracie Lee is on the soccer team and plays golf daily. She says she has learned a lot from her journey and is blessed to have a strong support team.
‘My journey is a testament to my faith, it brought me to God and buckled me down. Like I said, LeBonheur is God sent, I would not be here without them. I am so grateful to be here today,” Gracie Lee said.
When she is not in school, or on the golf course, Gracie Lee will be looking for those last minute sponsors and hopes to see a big turnout April 28th.
Entry fee for the four man scramble is 500 dollars. There will be door prizes, and a chance to win 10 thousand dollars with a hole in one. For more information, call 662 255 0021 , or you can pick up an entry form at Tupelo National Golf Club.
