Saving Grace

April 27, 2012

Seven-year-old Cole Grace has seen an outpouring community support, which he and his family surely hopes will continue at a pasta dinner fundraiser in his honor tomorrow night. Submitted Photo.

WEST WARWICK — Members from the community will be gathering together Saturday night to show their support for seven-year-old Cole Grace and his family at a pasta dinner fundraiser.

Cole Grace, a second grader at Greenbush Elementary School, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer at the end of January.

His teacher, Lyn Bernadyn explained that during school Cole kept telling her that he was tired and dizzy; she brought it to the attention of his mother and within a day he was at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

At the hospital Cole was given an MRI and diagnosed with Grade IV glioblastoma.

He went through two surgeries within a two week period.

“He is just a typical seven-year-old boy,” Bernadyn said. “He’s silly. He loves the beach and he is just the kindest child I know. He never had a bad thing to say about anybody. He didn’t make fun of the kids, he was very kind.”

She explained that she typically goes to visit him at home, where he is receiving treatment.

“It’s amazing how brave he is being and how he acts much older than seven,” she said.

Bernadyn said that Cole’s parents have been in a “whirl wind” since his diagnoses. Because of this, the schools and community have been holding fundraisers to show their support.

The first fundraiser, a dress down day, was held in February and Greenbush Elementary School raised more than $400 to give to Cole’s parents to help with medical expenses.

“When I brought them [Cole’s parents] the money from the dress down day, they just stood there in shock and said ‘this is amazing that people raised money for our little boy,’” she said. “Many teachers didn’t even know Cole yet.”

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