You deserve good things
When Angela Ray Rodgers shared a video of her young daughter, Grace Anna—who has a rare type of dwarfism— singing despite her pain, it quickly went viral, spreading joy and hope to millions!
Angela Ray Rodgers smiled from ear to ear as she pressed the record button on her phone to capture her 3-year-old daughter, Grace Anna, singing “The Star Spangled Banner” after bath time.
“You go, girl!” the Kentucky native cheered as Grace Anna belted out the words, smiling happily as she did.
Born with a rare genetic dwarfism disorder known as Conradi Hünermann syndrome, Grace Anna had been in and out of hospitals undergoing surgeries since the day she was born—but before she could even fully talk, Grace Anna had expressed herself with a sweet song and a smile.
She sings with such joy despite everything, Angela thought as she smiled down at her baby girl, deciding in that moment to share the video on social media. Maybe Grace Anna could touch other hearts just like she has mine.
Before Angela knew it, the video had racked up over half a million views. Messages flooded Angela’s inbox, exclaiming how her daughter’s joy had encouraged other kids with illnesses and disabilities to never give up.
Over the next few years, Angela continued to post videos and could see the hope Grace Anna was spreading. One woman with stage 4 cancer reached out asking for prayers, and Grace Anna decided to talk to her personally, singing and praying with her. “This means the world to me,” the woman told the little girl over the phone. “I was scared because my future is so unknown. But because of your joy, I’m not afraid anymore.”
Feeling motivated to make a difference with more handson projects, Grace Anna and her family started a project called Graciebug Bundles of Love, where they deliver goody baskets to children in the hospital. Each care package has brought hope to sick kids, and one family says the bundle gave them comfort during their hospital stay after a tragic fire.
Angela and Grace Anna have also partnered with schools in their area to advocate for handicap accessible playgrounds, so kids with disabilities can play alongside other kids.
Today, 9-year-old Grace Anna shares songs with her 1.5 million Facebook followers to celebrate our differences and find joy every day. Grace and Angela’s hope is that all kids will see just how special they are, which inspired the duo to write their children’s book, Who Do You See When You Look at Me?
“Life is about bringing light to people’s lives,” Angela says beaming with pride. “That’s just what Grace has done through her singing and sharing love!”
“I never give up because I have hope,” Grace Anna says. “God wants us not to give up on anything—whatever you’re facing, you can do it!”