ST. LOUIS, MO- When a brother or sister officer is in trouble, their partners in law enforcement step up to back them up without being asked. There are times, however, when help is needed but an officer is not able to ask for assistance. Such is the case of Don Grace, a retired St. Louis police department officer and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent.
Don has served the citizens of St. Louis and of the United States for over 30 years, dedicating his life in service to others. Now, Don needs us, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and those who support the police.
Don recently suffered a massive heart attack, leaving his heart severely damaged. He requires a heart transplant to save his life. He is currently in critical care at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), according to a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for this critical operation.
A friend of Don’s, Jon Shankwiler, reached out to Law Enforcement Today to share his situation.
“I know what an advocate you are for LE,” Jon wrote our CEO, Kyle Reyes. “Don is a dear friend of mine and 30 year LE veteran. He is in rough shape and in need of a heart transplant. I am trying to get my go fund me [sic] out to other folks outside my network. Any chance you can help us?”
Consider your call answered.
Don Grace is married to his wife Michele, has three children–Brendan, Maura, and Katie–and is a “loving grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren,” his GoFundMe page reads. “Don has always put others before himself.”
“His courage, compassion, and unwavering sense of duty left a lasting mark on his family and everyone he worked with,” the page reads. “Whether he was serving on the streets, mentoring younger officers, or supporting fellow agents, Don always led with integrity and heart.”
Don enjoyed family time with his wife, was active, and also enjoyed “adventures with his loyal German Shepherd, Lucy.”
As Don and his family wait and pray at VCU, he has seen friends and former colleagues rally around his side as they await a donor. “Michele and their children remain steadfast at his side, drawing strength from their faith and the overwhelming outpouring of support.”
Last week, Law Enforcement Today, in conjunction with the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, hosted the “Big Blue Bash” at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida home of President Trump. This was not merely a fundraiser for the FLEOA and a chance to hear some members of the administration speak and receive awards; it was a Christ-centered event where everyone in attendance felt the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now, we know our Savior is listening.
Law Enforcement Today, along with the Grace family and Jon Shankwiler, is asking not only for your prayers for Don and his family, but also for you to dig down and help this fundraiser reach its goal. AS of this writing, the fundraiser stands just over $20,000 short of its $80,000 goal.
As Jon Shankwiler writes on the fundraising page:
“As Don fights for his life, the family faces not only the emotional toll of this crisis, but also the significant financial challenges of extended hospital stays, travel, and living expenses far from home.
“Now, it’s our turn to serve the man who has served so many. Your donations will help relieve the financial burden on the Grace family, allowing them to focus on what matters most, Don’s healing and recovery.
“Anyone who knows Don knows his strength, resilience, and FIGHTING spirit. He’s determined to get back home and play with his grandkids, tell more stories, and continue living the wonderful life he’s built through so much hard work and sacrifice.”
“Many hands make light work” is a proverb that harkens back to the early 1300s. There are also biblical references, including Ephesians 4:16: As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow so that the whole body is healthy and growing in love. Luke 10:2 reads: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
Even if the budget only allows $5, it is another step toward getting the Grace family the relief they need and which Don Grace deserves.
Comments