Overcoming the Odds with the Power of Community and Resilience

On May 7, 2018, Gracie was born at just 24 weeks. She was a micro-preemie, weighing one

pound, six ounces. Her early days were fraught with severe complications including Necrotizing

Enterocolitis (NEC). She underwent thirty medical procedures and ten major surgeries, with

doctors removing nearly 70 percent of her small intestine.

It was uncertain if Gracie would ever leave the hospital. But her parents, Javier and Gretchen

Bernal, never gave up. They remained by Gracie’s side at the Children’s Hospital of San

Antonio (CHOSA), where they found strength in a supportive community. “We were embraced

by dedicated medical professionals and other NICU families,” Gretchen recalls. “We learned

that it really does take a village, and we worked hard to build the right village for our child.”

Gracie was finally discharged at ten months old, but her healthcare journey was far from over.

So, the Bernals continued to cultivate the proper support system for their daughter. They found

exceptional private-duty nurses who became part of the family, and they chose dependable

DME companies including Wave Healthcare.

“We built a team of medical professionals and loved ones that believe in Gracie and see

possibilities for her future,” Gretchen said, adding that The MAC at Morgan’s Wonderland and

TeamAbility have also been invaluable to Gracie’s ongoing progress.

Today, Gracie still has a G-tube, ankle braces, and a hearing aid. Doctors believe she may be

on the Autism spectrum. But nothing is stopping her from becoming the very best version of

herself, and she’s come so far from where she began.

Gracie is going into first grade this year. She enjoys music and she loves being a big sister.

She's a unique, happy little girl, and she has a team of supporters in her corner.

There’s nothing normal about Gracie,” Gretchen says. “She’s the most beautiful, amazing, non-

normal child I know.”

The Bernal family embraces Gracie’s path and proudly shares her story to encourage other

special needs families. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Gretchen advises. “Build that village.

Work hard for your child, and they’ll work hard for you. Don’t give up.”