A Night To Remember For Grace Woods

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When we think of prom — we tend to think of magical, memorable nights.

For Grace Woods — who has terminal cancer — her night at prom is certainly one that will be written into the memories of people living in Thief River Falls.

Following her journey, KVRR’s Erin Lisch and photographer John Hanson has the exclusive story on why this was such a special night.

The dresses, the tuxes and of course the pictures.A typical day of prom, but this time, it’s not.

With permission from her high school officials, Grace Woods is allowed to go to prom as a sophomore.

Grace’s parents Todd and Deanne Woods said, “It’s just an opportunity for her to be a kid. Something that all teenagers have, have the opportunity to do. We can’t thank the school enough for letting her go to prom.”

Grace is facing terminal bone cancer. Reality is setting in that she won’t be around much longer.Hospice met with her last week.Grace says this is bigger than just prom and fighting cancer.

“Just happy, it’s one of those last big things I get to do, so yeah it’s pretty special,”said Grace.

Dress, wig and a ride to prom, all free with help from those in the community.This is possibly her first and last time going to prom.Her date, Spencer, says he wouldn’t miss this day for the world.

Spencer Hron said, “I guess I just really wanted to take her to prom, maybe if she didn’t get a chance you know. I thought it was really important for a girl to get to go to prom so yeah i took her and she asked and i was more than happy to go now so, I was surprised at first but yeah, I didn’t even have to think about it I was really happy to go.”

Walking into school the past 2 years it’s become clear that grace has touched the lives of everyone around her.

“I think it’s so cool that she can do that  and just with everything she’s going through and stuff how she can still have a smile on her face and just be the happiest person in the room,”said Spencer.

When describing his daughter, Mr. Woods said, “Grace has that sparkle or that twinkle in her eye and that smile. she kind of just draws everybody into her. She’s got that personality that everybody likes her, wants to be around her. Likes to be her friend. Grace has no enemies, everybody, all the kids, she has fun being everybody’s friend.”

“She has this energy that you can just feed off of she does. she just lightens a room up,” said Mrs. Woods.

The cancer attacking her bones has spread to the outside of her lungs.She continues to fight back,  living her life to the fullest.

With a slight pause, Grace said, “There’s really no outlook on life. Like I don’t really look at the future, i look at every single day that goes by and just live each day as it is.”

And with her philosophy on life, those around her say no one can hold a candle to grace.

“No, nobody like grace woods,” said Spencer.

A blue bracelet has been made in support of Gracie and displays #Gracie #ProwlerStrong after her high school mascot.