Come join over 300 walkers for the Torch Relay on Friday, October 19 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel in The Woodlands. The relay consists of a 3-mile walk around The Woodlands Waterway, followed by an after party with food, a band, DJ, carnival games, face painting, and a balloon and caricature artist.
All proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network program at Texas Children’s Hospital and help children like Grace Anto, who was diagnosed with coronal suture craniosynostosis.
Resilience in children means being able to adapt well to adversity, trauma or even significant sources of stress. Grace Anto, a patient at Texas Children’s, is just that – resilient.
“When Grace was born in August 2007, it was obvious that she had some facial deformities,” said her mom, Lynn Anto.
After months of testing, Grace was given a list of diagnoses, which included coronal suture craniosynostosis, a premature fusing of bones in the skull, resulting in restricted skull growth.
Because of her condition, Grace has had – and will continue to have – multiple stays at Texas Children’s. She has had surgery to correct the misalignment of her eyes, and multiple visits to a craniofacial orthodontist who placed an expander in her mouth. There are also future plans for jaw surgery and braces.
Grace admits the surgeries are tough, “but you just have to get through it,” she said. Both she and her mom understand that surgeries are a fact of life for her and that they must remain strong for each other.
Despite her medical challenges, Grace lives life to the fullest. She is quick to answer questions about her condition and doesn’t let much stop her. She is involved in competitive dance, choir, piano and theatre. Her favorite subjects in school are math and science. Wise beyond her years, Grace makes an effort to live each day by the motto she coined, “Don’t let fear take over happiness!”
As a Torch Relay participant, you can choose to join the Texas Children’s team, create your team or be an individual walker. Participants who raise $40 or more will receive a 2018 Torch Relay T-shirt, medal and drawstring bag as a thank you for participating. Participants who raise $5,000 or more will be invited to join the Torchbearer Club and attend the Torchbearer Weekend, which annually honors our top fundraisers.
For additional information, visit Torch-Relay.org or email Camille Landry lclandry@texaschildrens.org.