ATLANTA -- It's been 6 months since Grace Bunke was in the water - 6 months since cancer took her life.
But on Saturday, her spirit was still with them - all the swimmers who took to Lake Lanier for Swim Across America. Grace found strength in the water as osteosarcoma stole her time. And in those waters on Saturday, many swimmers - including Grace's own mother and doctor - found the strength to honor her memory.
Vicki Bunke knew that in the water, Grace found a momentary escape from sickness and worry. It’s something she is now coming to understand for herself. Just like Grace, her mom faced fears and doubts to do it.
Dr. Karen Wasilewski didn’t consider herself a swimmer either. But she swam for Grace - the girl she cared for from the diagnosis until her last breath.
Photos: Grace Bunke's incredible journey
Even as the days after stopping treatment weakened her, they were never able to take Grace's resolve. Her final wish was to raise the most money for cancer research as part of Swim Across America. And with over $100,000 raised, that's exactly what she did.
In fact, she raised one-seventh of all the money raised that day by 1,000 participants and volunteers - people who continue to carry forward her legacy. It's just further proof of Amazing Grace's own mantra that hope has no finish line.
