Editor’s Note: Little Hearts Big Smiles, which has been helping Clinton Countians for more than 10 years as a supportive outlet for families raising special needs children, will host its annual 5K and fun run on May 20.
All proceeds will go to benefit Phase 4 of the Little Hearts Big Smiles Playground on Fife Avenue in Wilmington, which includes the addition of handi-accessible restrooms for children and families.
This year, Little Hearts Big Smiles is rallying participants to show support by joining one of six teams led by a captain: Andrew’s Army; Brei’s Brigade;Team Paxton and Irene; Gracie’s Squad; Team Braydyn; and Abby’s Army.
For six days leading up to the event, the News Journal is profiling the team captains. This is the third profile. More information on the event follows the story.
Gracie Bowman is a special part of the lives of those she touches with her big bright smile and sassy attitude. She has a very large support system within the Little Hearts Big Smiles community and family.
She was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at the age of 4 — this is under the umbrella of autism and is a neurological and developmental disorder. There is no known cause and no cure has been found.
Gracie is struggling with communication skills, auditory sensory disorder and learning delays. And now, age 10, she is in the fourth grade with her loving classmates and teachers that are extremely helpful and supportive to help her reach goals and learn social skills.
Gracie has come so far and has touched so many lives with her fun-loving personality. This fall will be her fifth year as a peewee football cheerleader for the Wilmington Hurricanes.
She wants to be like her big sister. Gracie dances at WPAS in the “Free To Be Me” class with special needs children of all ages and will perform in a dance recital at the end of the season. She loves swimming, Disney, Barbie, American Girl dolls, playing with her Golden Retriever “Junior” and being outdoors.
Her favorite part about playing at the Little Hearts Big Smiles Playground is the blue roller Sensory Slide. It never gets old to her.
LHBS is very excited to be part of the next phase to help build the playground. Come join Gracie’s team for the Fun Run 5K and support Little Hearts Big Smiles with funding of the new playground equipment.
She will be so excited and surprised to see everyone. This is a great way for the community to come together for an excellent cause. Custom T-shirts for Gracie’s team will be available to order.
About the event
The Little Hearts Big Smiles 5K is a walk-or-run event with prizes going to the top-three finishers for both male and female.
All of the teams will have a specialty shirt made for the 5K; however, joining a team is not a requirement to participate. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 20 at 1400 Fife Ave. with the 5K starting at 9 a.m. Registration is open to sign up for the 5K.
Little Hearts Big Smiles thanks Vital Fitness, Pittser Family Eyecare and Wilmington Savings Bank for supporting the 5K.
To find out more about these events, and for more information about Little Heart Smiles Big Smiles, visit www.littleheartsbigsmiles.org or find them on Facebook.
