Can a Dolphin Help a Child Get Better Grades?

Stacy Peace is a true survivor. Stacy has Holt-Oram Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects 1 in 150,000 people. It is characterized by skeletal abnormalities in the upper limbs and can cause problems with the heart. Enduring twelve open-heart surgeries, Stacy was placed on the national heart and double lung transplant list at age 9. In order to buy her some time until she reached the required age for the transplants, Stacy was fitted with a pacemaker. Stacy also struggles to use her hands, making writing very difficult.
Struggling through life, one day she found herself watching the Dolphin Tale movie. Fascinated by a dolphin who refused to give up, Stacy was able to meet Hope and Winter through Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Inspire program. She described the experience as “mind blowing.” Winter has inspired Stacy to try things that she finds difficult and to keep pushing until she succeeds.
The Dolphin Tale book was the first book that Stacy ever read - Winter provided her with the motivation to keep trying and improving.
“If it wasn’t for Winter, she wouldn’t know how to hold a pencil and how to write” says Angela Peace, Stacy’s mom.
“They inspire me because Winter can’t swim very well and I can’t write very well,” said Stacy. After seeing how Winter impacted Stacy, they moved to this area just so Stacy can be closer to CMA and Winter. The amazing results? After connecting to Winter, Stacy’s handwriting improved dramatically and her grades shot up from D’s and C’s to A’s and B’s.
“Since her amazing experience and learning Winter’s real story, Stacy has changed and grown,” explained Angela. “She now takes her medication on her own, she does her breathing treatments, she studies, reads books, and wants to one day become a teacher!”
Angela says that Stacy’s hard work and the improvement of her grades is thanks to Winter’s inspiration. “Winter has taught her to try, and to be confident. She doesn’t need a regular heart and lungs, she can still do a lot of good things. Winter has changed her life.”
In 2018, Stacy’s mother, Angela, was informed Stacy needed open-heart surgery to perform a mitral valve replacement. This would be her most risky surgery to date with no guarantee of success. Stacy and her mom drove from their home in St. Petersburg, Florida, for Stacy to be admitted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando for the open-heart surgery on Oct. 1.
Being the fighter that she is, Stacy survived the risky surgery, but she would have a long road to recovery. The team at Clearwater Marine Aquarium organized a fundraiser to help her family during this challenging time. Stacy has a special relationship with CMA and Winter the Dolphin. Winter has shown Stacy that she can fight through by never, ever giving up.
Visit us at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: bit.ly/1EKyytp
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[@elizabethkrabbenhoft]

Wow! She's the real life Sawyer.

[@sonicbaseballzoodreams]

I love how Stacey inspired Winter, because both of them have a lot in common. It's really cute that Stacey calls Winter her sister😊. Never give up Stacey keep trying 👍🏿

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Who could fear such a beautiful child? Sometimes I don’t understand humans.

[@kailynholt8102]

I literally have three f’s I’m gonna go see a dolphin

[@kailynholt8102]

Yurkovich, Kamdyn yup

[@Oceans780]

Visit Seaworld Too they will inspire you also.

[@johnmartin107]

They certainly can! Personally, I’ve been inspired by them for years now and my happiness has improved a TON since I first saw them at the aquarium. I’ve been able to open up to more people about my struggles and challenges from when I was born and tell my story of how I can personally relate to Winter because of the impact she’s had on my life.

[@Juliabwith]

I wish a dolphin could help me change my grade 😔

[@garrisonbrumblay9137]

JuliaCat Animates well you know where to go now.

[@daniceshark2399]

Oh, wonderful!! Dolphin is the BEST animal on Earth...Except dolphins, which other animal helps one girl can to up about get better grade? (Others..Apart dogs)

[@Oceans780]

Manatees and Whales and Turtles are awesome too!

[@kaylynhedstrom4548]

So sweet!😍

[@isabelleertvaag5387]

I LOVE THIS

[@Oceans780]

I believe yes! The animals can inspire people to be better. :)

[@finntasticbee]

omg

[@brennanorca3630]

Clear water is so inperational

[@dinahwetzel6524]

😂😂😂 When I grow up, I'm going to get a place just to take care of ceteceans. Then I'm going to buy a zoo for other animals. I promise the tanks will be way larger than seaworlds. P.S. This video is so sweet