Buhler junior golfer selected as ambassador for Shriners Children’s Hospital

BUHLER, Kan. (KWCH) - From an early age, Gracin Bergmeier loved sports, but she was never able to play.

“I was born with a leg-length discrepancy and a birth defect in my knee,” she explained.

A doctor said that Gracin was unlikely to walk. She defied the odds and became a standout athlete. After more than a dozen surgeries and limitless hours traveling and spending time in hospitals, Gracin began to play sports, her favorites were softball and golf.

“Going to the hospitals and everything kind of was my drive. Sports were my drive to get better,” the Buhler High School student said.

Earlier this month, she had the chance to realize a dream, thanks to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“I got to go to the Shriner’s (Children’s) Open in Las Vegas and meet a whole bunch of pros, and it was an unbelievable experience,” Gracin said.

The 16-year-old Hutchinson native attended the PGA Tour event as a standard bearer. While Gracin enjoys her opportunities with sports, her broader interests involve giving back. Part of her passion for doing so goes back to the care she received at Shriners Children’s in St. Louis.

“I went through 14 different surgeries throughout my childhood and every time I woke up from a procedure at Shriners Children’s I remember there always being a toy at the end of my bed to distract me from the pain,” said Gracin. “This inspired me to organize a toy drive through my high school in Kansas, to collect toys to donate to the hospital as well as monetary donations to help purchase some items for the older patients.”