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GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE A HOME THAT HELPS AND HEALS
Reaching the Summit Lacey describes being diagnosed with end-stage renal failure as a “blow to her ego”. Her motto in life had always been “get off the couch” and this diagnosis required her to be on dialysis, draining her energy and strength. Lacey found herself on the couch, an unfamiliar place for this athletic young woman. At 16 months, Lacey became partially paralyzed when a heavy weight fell on her spine. Her recovery from that injury was a miracle, but by age nine, Lacey was using a wheelchair. Despite her injury, Lacey learned to “sit ski” at age 14, joining her family on the mountains of Idaho. She soon fell in love with the sport and the freedom of flying down the mountain. A natural competitor, Lacey trained hard and eventually participated in Paralympics, and X Games, becoming a World Champion and as a member of the U.S.
Lacey (right) with sister, Bree, enjoying time on the patio outside at Gift of Life Transplant House.
Paralympic Alpine National Team, Lacey brought home two bronze medals in 2002. Lacey knew she was experiencing unusual exhaustion and in the summer of 2003, she was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Following her motto, Lacey persevered for the next seven years, going through dialysis up to four times a day while continuing to compete in ski races around the world. She went through dialysis in the Alps, on trains,