Meet Grace
Hi! My name is Grace, and I was born with a limb difference. I know what it's like to feel different, to wonder how others see you, and to question what your future might look like because you were born different. But I also know the strength that comes from embracing your difference—not as a limitation, but as a source of power.
Whether you're a little kid just starting to notice you’re different, a teen discovering your identity, a parent learning how to support your child, or a loved one walking alongside someone with a limb difference, you have the power to shape your story. You have the strength to stand with confidence. And most importantly, you have a voice—and it deserves to be heard.
That’s why I created Grip: to show you what’s possible, to remind you that your story matters, and to offer the tools and community to help you grow not in spite of your difference, but because of it.
You may have been born different—but you are built strong.
My Mission
GRIP stands for Growth, Resilience, Identity, and Power—the four pillars at the core of the Grip Foundation’s mission. We are committed to raising awareness, fostering inclusion, and providing unwavering support to individuals and families impacted by limb difference.
The Grip Foundation empowers youth with limb differences and their families through early intervention, personalized mentorship, and age-appropriate educational and inspirational programs that nurture confidence, independence, and personal development.
We offer vital emotional support, connect children and teens with mentors who understand their journey, and cultivate a vibrant community that embraces and celebrates uniqueness.
Additionally, Grip provides financial assistance for prosthetics, medical care, and participation in mentorship programs and events—ensuring that every child has access to the resources, relationships, and resilience they need to thrive.
What We Do
Early Outreach
We believe the way limb difference is framed from day one can shape a child’s self-image for life. Our Early Outreach program supports families immediately after birth or diagnosis through in-person and virtual visits, emotional guidance, and Grip Kits filled with tools for comfort, confidence, and connection.
→ Learn more about our Early Outreach program
Grip Kits
Grip Kits are care packages designed for new parents and caregivers of limb different children. Each kit includes empowering tools, a personal letter from Grace, and access to Grip Hub—reminding families from the very beginning: You’re not alone. You are built strong.
→ Learn more about our grip kits [click here]
The Confidence Collective
The Confidence Collective is a growing series of programs designed to help limb different youth build confidence through mentorship, peer connection, and empowering experiences. From our Confidence Camps, creative workshops, and mentor matching program, each program is crafted to nurture, self-confidence, resilience, and empowerment. Our Grip Kids program offers continuous, age-leveled engagement, accompanied by quarterly kits to support children as they grow in self-confidence and ultimately step into roles as leaders and advocates.
→ Learn more about the Confidence Collective [click here]
Speaker Series: Born Different, Built Strong
Grace shares her story. From limb different child to Division I athlete and founder of the Grip Foundation with audiences around the world. Her talks inspire confidence, celebrate inclusion, and remind us that our differences are our greatest strengths.
→ Book a speaking engagement [click here]
Collaboration
Real change happens together. We partner with hospitals, schools, sports programs and brands to ensure limb-different individuals are seen, supported, and celebrated.
→ Learn more about our collaborations and partnerships [click here]
Grip Hub
Our digital home for videos, stories, podcasts, and uplifting content tailored for kids, teens, parents and anyone impacted by limb difference. Grip Hub is where community meets confidence—and where every voice is seen and celebrated.
→ Visit Grip Hub [click here]
Advocacy & Research
We amplify limb-different voices through media, education, and policy. By promoting inclusive language and empowering youth to self-advocate, we’re reshaping how the world sees difference.
→ See our advocacy work [click here]
What is Limb Difference
Limb difference refers to any condition in which a person is born with—or develops—a limb that is missing, underdeveloped, or formed differently than typical. This can affect the arms, hands, legs, or feet and may result from genetic factors, conditions during pregnancy, medical trauma, or amputation. Limb differences are either congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed later in life).
According to the CDC, each year in the United States approximately 1,500 babies are born with an upper limb difference and about 750 with a lower limb difference. That translates to about 4 out of every 10,000 babies born with an upper limb difference and 2 out of every 10,000 with a lower limb difference—with some affected in both areas.
While limb differences may change physical appearance, they do not define a person’s capabilities or potential. Individuals with limb differences are fully capable of leading active, fulfilling, and empowered lives. At Grip, we believe limb difference is not a limitation—it is a powerful and unique part of identity that should be understood, embraced, and celebrated
Support our Mission
Thank you for considering a contribution to the Grip Foundation! Your generosity powers our programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts—ensuring that limb different youth and their families feel seen, supported, and truly empowered.
Whether you choose to sponsor a Grip Care Kit for a new family navigating the early days of a limb difference diagnosis, or help fund The Confidence Collective, our peer connection programs, or support our advocacy efforts, you’re helping to build confidence, connection, and lasting change for kids living with a limb difference.
Thank you again for believing in my mission—that every child deserves to grow up knowing they are strong, capable, and never alone.
XO - Grace
The Grip Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.