Grace Bunke | Vicki Bunke | Source: facebook.com/swimacrossamerica | facebook.com/vicki.bunke
A 14-year old girl brought light and love to the world. Unfortunately, her life was cut short. She asked her mother to fulfill her greatest dream before she died.
Vicki Bunke could not have been prouder of her daughter Grace Bunke. Grace Bunke, her precious daughter, was outgoing and motivated. She was determined to succeed no matter what happened in life.
Georgia’s youngster loved to run and began running as a child. The athletic child proved to be a great athlete. Her life changed when she was 11.
Something went wrong
Grace had severe knee pain, but she refused to let it stop her. Grace was always happy and kept running.
Grace’s family realized something was wrong after she finished the track event and cried. Grace was struck by bone cancer when she felt pain in her knee.
Grace endured multiple operations and 18 rounds of chemotherapy over her three-year battle with cancer. Grace, 14, began swimming while she was preparing to run again.
Her Inspiring Fighting Spirit
Grace was positive despite the diagnosis and showed a fighting spirit. She had big dreams about what she would achieve on and off the field.
Vicki ShareEven though her daughter had to go through cancer treatments, she did not stop loving everything she loved. She had to, even though she didn’t want to let her daughter down. “set limits”You can find out what was safe.
Swimming is her passion
Grace braved multiple operations and 18 rounds chemotherapy during her three-year battle with cancer. Grace, 14, began swimming as a way to keep fit and healthy while she was preparing to run again.He fell in love quickly with the sport, and became passionate about it.
Grace found new spiritual and emotional strength in the water with her mother RecalledShe was so proud of her daughter’s unwavering spirit that she “would get through this.”
The Teen was brave and fearless
The teenager was brave throughout her illness and showed no fear. She went to school when she wasn’t in the hospital, and she even joined Swim Across America (SAA).
It focuses on raising money to fight cancer. This was something she was glad to support.Grace was a fighter, but she didn’t make it to her 15th Birthday. She tragically died one day prior.
Fulfilling Her Dying Wish
Grace died in 2018. Grace asked her mother for help. Because Grace couldn’t attend an upcoming SAA event she asked her mom for help.
Vicki agreed, despite being claustrophobic. She also doesn’t like her head underwater. Grace’s legacy was honoured by her participation in numerous swimming events. Vicki also organized a cross country swimming mission.
The mother, in the midst of her grief, found comfort in swimming for her child. She Share:
“I committed to swimming in 14 open water charity events with Swim Across America to honor the 14 years [that] Grace lived on this earth.”
Heaven has been kind to her
Vicki credits her daughter for pushing her to do something new and challenging. Vicki is proud that she helped raise funds for a worthy cause. She also shared an interesting detail about the swimming events.
Vicki believed Grace was watching her through the events and showing up in small ways. The mother :
“We feel like heaven is cheering us on. You can’t have a better cheering section than heaven.”
Vicki is still missing her child, but swimming has helped her heal. She loves looking back on the memories she made with Grace and promises to continue living like her daughter would have wanted—with purpose and passion.
Click here to read another story about a brother who invited his sister for a heartwarming cause. He made the best decision for his sister, and it was perfect timing.