Georgia Mom Swims across America to Fulfill 14-Year-Old Daughter’s Dying Wish

A 14-year-old girl brought love and light to the world, but sadly, her time on earth was cut short. Before passing, she asked her mother to fulfill one of her biggest dreams.

Vicki Bunke couldn’t have been a prouder parent. Her precious daughter, Grace Bunke, was outgoing, motivated, and undoubtedly determined no matter what life threw her way.

The youngster from Georgia loved being active and started running when she was just a little girl. The adventurous child excelled on the sports field, but her life took a shocking turn when she was 11.

Something Was Wrong

Grace experienced severe pain in her knee, but she didn’t let it get her down. She always had a smile on her face and tried her best to continue running.

After Grace finished a track event with tears streaming down her face, her family knew something was wrong. The pain in her knee turned out to be a symptom of bone cancer, and it was a devastating blow for Grace.

Grace braved multiple surgeries and 18 rounds of chemotherapy in her three-year battle against cancer. While she prepared to run again, the 14-year-old started swimming to stay fit and healthy.

Her Inspiring Fighting Spirit

Despite the diagnosis, Grace remained positive and displayed a true fighting spirit. She still dreamed big dreams about all she would accomplish on and off the field.

Vicki shared that even while her daughter had to endure cancer treatments, she didn’t stop going after everything she loved. And while she did not want to hold her daughter back, she had to “set limits” on what was safe to do.

Her Passion for Swimming

Grace braved multiple surgeries and 18 rounds of chemotherapy in her three-year battle against cancer. While she prepared to run again, the 14-year-old started swimming to stay fit and healthy, and she quickly fell in love with the sport and became passionate about it.

Grace gained new spiritual and emotional strength being in the water, and her mother recalled her daughter’s unwavering attitude that she “would get through this.”

The Teen Was Fearless and Brave

The teenager had no fear throughout her illness, and her bravery was inspiring. She attended school whenever she was not in the hospital and even joined the Swim Across America (SAA) program.

The program focuses on raising funds to fight cancer, and it was a cause she was happy to stand behind. Grace fought long and hard, but she never made it to her 15th birthday, tragically passing away one day before the milestone.

Fulfilling Her Dying Wish

Before Grace’s death in 2018, she asked her mother to do something on her behalf. Since she couldn’t participate in an upcoming SAA event, she asked her mom to take her place.

Vicki agreed despite being claustrophobic and not liking her head underwater. She went on to participate in multiple swimming events and planned a cross-country swimming mission to honor Grace’s legacy.

Amid her grief, the mother found comfort in swimming on behalf of her precious child. She shared:

“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 Cheered for Her

Vicki gives her daughter credit for encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and do something challenging. The mom is proud to help raise funds for a worthy cause and shared a special detail about the swimming events.

Vicki believed Grace was watching over her during the events, showing up in small ways. The mother expressed:

“We feel like heaven is cheering us on. You can’t have a better cheering section than heaven.”

Vicki misses her child endlessly, but swimming 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.

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