PEVELEY, Mo.  – A Pevely third grader is fighting for her life after an accident left her paralyzed. The community is coming together to support her family and the long road to recovery.

8-year-old Gracie remains in critical condition after she, along with her mother and grandmother, were injured in a crash on Telegraph Road in south county a few weeks ago. Officials say the other driver involved was speeding when he hit the family’s car.

The third grader at Peveley Elementary is suffering from a broken neck, broken pelvis, kidney failure, and will require a ventilator.

“Our counselors and teachers are ready to help Gracie’s friends if they need it. It’s a tragic situation anytime a car accident, something like this that kinda takes everyone by surprise…it is sad, and we are heartbroken for her and the family,” Dunklin School District Superintendent Clint Freeman said.

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He emphasized that as students just returned to the classroom, teachers and counselors stand ready to support her classmates, as the first day of school wasn’t the same without her smiling face in the hallway.

“According to her teacher, (she is) a breath of fresh air, always smiling, always happy, and just a great kiddo to have in class,” Freeman said.

A GoFundMe has been set up to aid in medical expenses. To donate, click here .

“That’s what we want to not forget for those families with traumatic experiences—how is it three months, six months, nine months, and a year from now—and what supports do we have in place to make sure they’re being successful? Make sure they have what they need after the initial shock of the information is gone,” Freeman added.

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