Gracie Kozel​

 
 
 

Gracie was born prematurely and began showing signs at 3 days old that she was struggling to swallow. By 8 weeks old, she was referred to CHOA’s Aerodigestive Team. It was from there that our journey with CHOA began, both inpatient and outpatient. We have spent countless nights in “Hotel CHOA” where doctors have saved her life more than once. ICU nurses have pampered Gracie with spa days, child life specialists have kept the tears at bay with bubbles, volunteers have brought play-doh to help pass the time, and therapy dogs have lifted our spirits. Through emergency surgeries, blood transfusions, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, heart arrhythmias, pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema (ask her about it…that was a fun one ), and repeated respiratory failure, CHOA has been there to walk beside us as parents while fighting for Gracie. After many years of being cared for by CHOA’s very best, Gracie was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease and a Primary Immunodeficiency called Specific Antibody Deficiency with B Cell Phenotype and Poor Avidity. While neither rare condition has a cure, she fights bravely through chronic pain and fatigue. She undergoes weekly immunoglobulin infusions and takes numerous daily medications in an effort to keep her healthy. Despite it all, she is happy and thriving. She loves cheerleading, horseback riding, playing outside, and of course…UGA football!