Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SYRACUSE -- Doctors have no answers for the uncontrollable seizures that are plaguing a 9-year-old girl. Now a Davis County community is banding together to help the girl's family as she goes through countless tests while under a drug-induced coma.
Gracie Hinds is known for her smile and free spirit. But her parents, Ryan and Mindy Hinds, said something changed several weeks ago when she developed a fever and a rash. She was taken to the emergency room at Ogden Regional Hospital, which is where the girl's seizure's started.
"She's always been so full of life," said her mother Mindy Hinds. "She loves school, loves her friends, loves music, loves art, loves everything."
Gracie was transferred to Primary Children's Hospital shortly after. The seizures were so bad and happening so frequently that putting Gracie in a coma appeared to be the best solution until doctors could figure out what was wrong, her parents said.
We just know that little girl that loves life so much is still in there.
–Mindy Hinds
Now, seven weeks later, Gracie is still in a coma and doctors still have no answers after numerous tests.
"We just know that little girl that loves life so much is still in there," Mindy Hinds said. "I think that's what we've been hanging on to, is just knowing that, that little girl is still in there and that she wants to continue to just love life."
"It's been life changing," added Gracie's father Ryan Hinds. "I know she's in there fighting and I truly believe that she's okay."
The Hinds' family adversity has brought together a community, who has grown stronger trying to support the family. Close friends have organized the Race for Grace, a 5K run coupled with a carnival and more events to follow. The events have been organized to help cover the family's medical costs, but Gracie's parents say the outpouring of support is doing much more than that.
- Starts at 4:00 p.m.
- Register at www.active.com
"All these people who, you know, she's inspired, who don't know her yet, have just fallen in love with her and she's got a lot of strength still in here," Mindy Hinds said. "And we're just hoping that we get some more strength from some people and bring it back to her."
The doctors at Primary Children's have shared Gracie's test results with the Mayo Clinic, the Hinds said, but no one seems to have answers to what is plaguing Gracie.
*An account has been set up for people to donate to the family at America First Credit Union under the account Gracie Hinds.
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Email: manderson@ksl.com
