At just 3 months old, Wrenley Grace faced something most of us can’t imagine, emergency brain surgery.
It was the beginning of a journey that would test her strength again and again. But today, at 9 years old, Wrenley is known for something much bigger than her diagnosis: her determination.
A Champion for Others
Wrenley’s journey doesn’t just inspire those closest to her. It reaches far beyond.
She has been named the 2025 and 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Local Champion, a role that highlights her story and helps bring hope to other children and families facing complex medical challenges. As a CMN Champion, Wrenley represents the strength of patients across our communities and the impact of compassionate, connected care.
A Fight That Started Early
Wrenley was diagnosed with hydrocephalus as an infant and underwent life-saving surgery at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. What followed were years of ongoing care, including five additional brain surgeries and multiple tube placements to help support her nutrition and medications.
Her story isn’t defined by a single moment. It’s a series of challenges met with quiet courage.
Relearning the Everyday
After her most recent surgery, Wrenley experienced stroke-like symptoms that took away mobility in her right arm.
Suddenly, the smallest daily tasks became the biggest hurdles.
Holding a fork. Writing her name. Washing her hair.
Through consistent physical and occupational therapy, Wrenley began the work of rebuilding, step by step, movement by movement. The kind of progress that doesn’t happen overnight, but through persistence, encouragement and a care team walking alongside her every step of the way.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
One of Wrenley’s proudest milestones didn’t happen in a therapy room.
It happened in a store aisle.
During a Children’s Miracle Network event, Wrenley did something she had worked toward for so long — she skipped. Right down the aisle, hand-in-hand with the store manager, full of joy.
It was more than a moment. It was proof of how far she had come.
Still Moving Forward
Today, Wrenley continues therapy each week and returns for check-ups every six months. Her journey is ongoing, but so is her progress.
And through it all, she brings something powerful to every room she enters: resilience, joy and a spirit that refuses to give up.
Care That Grows With Them
Stories like Wrenley’s are possible because of care that doesn’t stop at a single procedure or moment in time.
From complex surgeries to ongoing rehabilitation, having a connected care team means children and families are supported through every stage of healing and growth.
