A Very Special Event for Gracie PurdyBy Renee BurrellBELLEAIR - The Purdy family's friends and fellow community members are invited to "Gracie's Big Splash" what organizers say will be a wet and wild time at the Dimmitt Community Center, 918 Osceola Road, in Belleair, on Sunday, August 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. Donations for entry are $10 per person. Food and beverages will be available. All proceeds will be donated to the Gracie Purdy Assistance Account at Wachovia Bank. All sorts of water slides, games and activities will be available, along with great fellowship in support for Gracie and her family. Gracie has been receiving radiation and chemotherapy treatments at All Children's Hospital. Her condition is grave as she is suffering from Diffuse Pontine Glioma (DPG). Family friend Kathy Helmus explains how Gracie's diagnosis began last month, "What began as a child's complaint of sharp head ache pains and double vision has been diagnosed as DPG. This brain cancer is growing out of the brain stem. There is no known cure or surgical remedy for this cancer." Gracie is just 5 years old and was looking forward to starting kindergarten this month at St. Cecelia's School. A Web site further detailing her story with updates on her treatment can be found by logging on to www.prayersforgracie.org Those unable to attend the Big Splash can still make a donation at any Wachovia Bank in Gracie's name to account number 1010181876427. Contributions may be also mailed to Wachovia Bank, 1551 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater, Florida 33764. In addition to the Big Splash at the Dimmit Center, friends are asking for the collective power of prayer. Starting on Thursday, August 9 and ending August 17, a nine day novena to St. Theresa of the Child Jesus for Gracie can be said. Join in the novena once a day at any time throughout the day, by praying twenty four "Glory be to the Father's" with the intent of thanking the Holy Trinity for all the blessings and favors given to Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus during her 24 years of life.
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