Feel Good Friday: Amazing Gracyn and the power of perseverance
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Before you hear her story, you hear Gracyn.
She’s talkative. Quick to laugh. Full of energy. The kind of presence that fills a room long before anyone notices a wheelchair or a diagnosis. At 11 years old, Gracyn has already learned how to show up in the world exactly as she is, unapologetically joyful.
Gracyn, a sixth grader from Scottsville, was born three months premature and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. In those early days, her parents, Eric and Kendra Poland, were told the future was uncertain. “When we got the diagnosis of cerebral palsy, there was just so much uncertainty,” Eric said.
What followed were years of surgeries, therapies and hospital visits, a childhood shaped by resilience. But ask Gracyn why people call her Amazing Gracyn, and she doesn’t talk about any of that. “I’ve done a lot of things, and I’ve gone through so much,” she said. “That’s why they call me Amazing Gracyn.”
Those who meet her rarely forget her. “If you’ve met Gracie, you definitely remember it,” Eric said. “She’s just a ball of energy and positivity.”
That positivity is rooted in faith, her parents say, something Gracyn leans on when the road gets tough. “Whenever she’s in a lot of pain or really struggling, you’ll hear her call out to the Lord,” Kendra said.
At school, Gracyn makes a point to be part of everything. As playing basketball became more challenging, she found another way to stay connected to the game, serving as a team manager and a constant source of encouragement from the sidelines. “It’ll give me a chance to play basketball again,” Gracyn said.
Her neurologist, Dr. Erica Chandler with Norton Children’s Hospital, says Gracyn’s spirit stands out as much as her strength. “Gracie is a very spunky and spirit-filled little girl,” Chandler said. “She does have a very positive attitude and a very distinct personality and drive.”
That drive was recently recognized when Gracyn was honored as a Norton Children’s Superhero during a WKU volleyball game, a moment that left her smiling ear to ear. “It felt pretty amazing,” Gracyn said. “I felt pretty excited, overjoyed.”
Her parents hope her story reaches beyond a single night or a single title. They want people to see what Gracyn represents: possibility. “With Christ and with the supportive family and friends, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to,” Eric said.
As for Gracyn, she doesn’t overthink her story or her impact. When asked how she would describe herself, she thought about it for a second.
“Talkative,” she said.
And unmistakably amazing.
