#GoGraceGo
People who knew and loved Grace understood that she functioned on “Grace pace”, always showed people to “LIVE SIMPLE” and had a beautiful soul to “LOVE BIG”. Grace Bittner is from Dickinson, ND. She was diagnosed with Optic Pathway/Hypothalamic Glioma on October 20, 2010. She passed away on July 7, 2019. She is forever nine years old.
Cancer brought out many strengths in the Bittner family. They learned patience, love, and the ability to see and enjoy the simple things in life. They also saw the pure goodness in others, and were strengthened in their faith. They now have a greater appreciation for medical staff, therapists, teachers, and all the others involved in their journey.
Treatment affected her family in many ways. Many days, weeks, months, and overnights they were separated from their two older boys and were away from home and work. Their family sacrificed a lot because of Grace’s weakened immune system. Hours were spent on the road traveling to treatments, clinics, and hospitals. The family had constant questions about Grace’s health, well-being, and making Grace’s life comfortable when in and out of hospitals and ongoing treatment for nine consecutive years. As parents, they also struggled with making sure each of their children felt their importance and constant love in all the unknowns and challenges.
The Bittners' miss absolutely everything about Grace. They miss her beautiful soul and the way her gentle spirit would radiate throughout the room. Her smile, her sweet, soft voice, and her tender hugs will always be missed. “The list is endless of all the things we miss every second about our Amazing Grace. She melted hearts and inspired many,” said her dad, Cory Bittner.