In a freak accident in 1981, a 100 pound weight fell on young Lacey Heward and crushed her spine. The Boise girl was paralyzed from the waist down. But she wasn't about to let that hold her back! Her life has been an inspiration ever since.
When she was 14 years old, she started ski lessons and quickly learned she was built to be on the snow! Lacey started racing, and decided to go after a dream - a dream to make it to the 2002 Paralympic Games in SLC. She did just that! She won two bronze medals in the Super G and the Giant Slalom. The next year, she won the World Cup. Pretty incredible stuff!
Lacey has been a "Seven's Hero" here on KTVB in the past for volunteering on the "Ability Team" - which is a team of athletes just like her who show kids no matter what comes your way - you can still be what you want to be and do what you want to do. She is proof of that!
Another major challenge came Lacey's way. Due to her paralysis, her kidneys started failing. She started dialysis four times a day to keep her going. Years later, it's time for a kidney transplant, and the good news is - her sister is a match! She will be her living donor. Right now, her family and friends are planning a fundraiser for her - so they can raise the money to help pay for this life saving transplant.
They want to get the word out to the community, so people can offer support and donations.
The fundraiser is this Friday:
"A Kidney for Lacey"
Friday, May 28th
The VAC: The Visual Arts Collective
6pm Doors Open, 6:30pm Silent Auction
Cost: $7
