Grace Chantiam Bracci Family Support
Grace Chantiam Bracci has been a profound source of both strength and knowledge for those that have read her blog over the past year. Throughout her journey battling cervical cancer, Grace exuded both tenacity and courage. Grace was admitted to hospital July 27, where doctors ran countless CT, MRI, and other tests. On August 5th she was given a terminal diagnosis of leptomeningeal disease with an estimated 3 months to live. Things accelerated far more quickly than anyone anticipated, and Grace passed away peacefully August 31, 2021 surrounded by her family. Grace has shared her story with countless others on her blog https://graciescancerjourney.wordpress.com/.
It was always Grace’s intention to share her story in the hopes that it would build cancer awareness, not only for women but for everyone. Sadly, cancer knows no gender or age, which is why she started this blog, to share her story and help people understand that early detection can save lives. We hope that her blog will be read for years to come, and when you think of our beloved Grace, you will remember her fondly as the warrior she was.
In true Grace fashion (especially for those who knew her personally) she spent much of her final weeks planning what priorities would best support her family after she passed. She was focused on two key issues of great importance. The first was to aid the well-being of her family. Grace’s wish was to make sure her boys are fully supported during this difficult time and beyond, ensuring they have access to the best mental health resources. She found a local organization that would assist both Alexander and Daniel as they navigate through this difficult time. The Children’s Grief Center/Sage Centre helps families with young children adjust to the changes in their lives when someone close to them has died. They use individual and family counseling, as well as group support to help families gain the tools they need to face and cope with grief. The money raised through this GoFundMe will ensure that the family has adequate funds to pay for these much needed professional supports.
Grace’s second wish was to ensure that her 5 year old son Alexander would have the opportunity to attend post-secondary schooling when he is older. Grace always had a passion for learning and was keenly aware of the possibilities that are unlocked with knowledge. She knew that by treating education as an important aspect of Alexander's life, it had the potential to assist him in achieving his goals, becoming a contributing member of his community and ultimately help him be fulfilled in his life. It was her wish that there be dedicated funds, to ensure that whatever Alexander wishes to pursue, that there are minimal financial obstacles.
Losing Grace has been a devastating loss that has left both Daniel and Alexander (as well as all of her family and friends) with broken hearts, this loss and pain is something that they will need to attend to for the rest of their lives. It is our collective hope that this fundraising will help Daniel and Alexander, especially with the loss of income, Alexander starting school, and other unexpected costs that have felt incredibly overwhelming to their family.
We hope that by reading this post as well as Grace’s blog, you will gain insight into the beautiful, amazing, compassionate woman she was. She was always an advocate for others, and truly an inspiration to so many.
For anyone who can make a contribution, the family thanks you from the bottom of their hearts. Your kindness and generosity provides them hope for the future.