The community of Pittsburg, Kansas, is grieving the sudden loss of seven-year-old Madelyn Grace Morris, a beloved member of the Kansas Junior Patriots Football and Cheer community.
Known simply as Gracie, this vibrant young girl touched the lives of everyone she met with her infectious smile, boundless energy, and courage.
Gracie’s life was evidence of resilience, having battled and overcome leukemia as an infant, only to be tragically taken by sepsis on an ordinary day in 2025.
Her story, Filled with Both Triumph and Heartbreak, has Left a Lasting Impact on her Family, Friends, and Community
Gracie Morris was born on September 27, 2017, to Brett and Ashley Morris, proud members of the Marine Corps Families in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Just one day after her birth, her family received devastating news: Gracie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The tiny newborn was immediately transported to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee, where she began a grueling two-and-a-half-year journey of chemotherapy.
Despite the odds, Gracie’s spirit shone through. Her family never received a bill for her treatment, travel, housing, or food, thanks to St. Jude’s mission to support families fully during such challenging times.
Gracie emerged victorious, a true miracle, and returned home to live a life full of joy and love.
Gracie grew up alongside her younger brother, Gunner, born in 2024. The siblings shared a special bond, filling their home with laughter and love.
Gracie’s personality was larger than life; she was outgoing, dramatic, and loved everything princess-related.
She adored makeup, nail polish, singing, dancing, and performing, always bringing a spark of joy to those around her.
Gracie was a beloved member of the Kansas Junior Patriots Football and Cheer C-Team, where her enthusiasm and spirit made her a standout.
She was the first to dance, the loudest to cheer, and the one who could lift everyone’s spirits with her presence.
Whether she was cheering on the sidelines or flashing her contagious smile, Gracie had a way of making everyone feel special.
Her teammates and coaches cherished her, and she quickly became a cornerstone of the Junior Patriots family.
In April 2025, Gracie underwent a minor procedure to have her adenoids removed and ear tubes replaced, a routine step in her ongoing care.
She bounced back with her usual resilience, returning to her cheerful self. But no one could have predicted the sudden tragedy that would strike just months later.
A Devastating Turn
On what seemed like an ordinary day, Gracie’s mother, Ashley, received a call from her school.
Gracie was running a fever and felt unusually cold. When Ashley arrived, she found her daughter pale and shaking.
The family rushed her to the hospital, hoping for answers. But Gracie’s condition deteriorated rapidly.
Doctors suspected sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s overwhelming response to an infection.
Sepsis is often sudden and difficult to predict, making it a silent and relentless threat. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Gracie passed away overnight, leaving her family and community in shock and grief.
Sepsis, as described by medical experts, can escalate quickly, attacking the body’s organs and systems.
Even with prompt treatment, it can be fatal, especially in young children or those with compromised health histories.
For Gracie’s family, the speed of her decline was incomprehensible, compounding the pain of their loss.
Gracie’s father, Brett Morris, shared the devastating news in a heartfelt Facebook post that resonated with thousands. He wrote,
“This is going to be the hardest post I have ever made. I just wanted to start off by saying thank you all so much for all the love and support, throughout all the years. Unfortunately, Gracie, that everyone fell in love with, passed away today due to complications from an infection that made her septic. I want to start off by saying this was the strongest person I have ever met in my life. This little girl saved my life more than she will ever know.”
Via Facebook
Brett spoke about Gracie’s strength and the love she shared. He and Ashley asked for prayers as they cope with their deep grief over losing their daughter, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. “We need time to regroup,” Brett said. “This is our hardest loss.”
Gracie’s passing shocked people in Pittsburg and beyond.
Friends, teammates, and even strangers who had followed her journey expressed their heartbreak. Team Kooper Rooks, a close friend of the Morris family, shared a touching tribute:
“Sweet baby Gracie has passed away. She has grown up in front of us, but she will always be sweet baby Gracie to us! We will never forget her spunky and sassy self! Her contagious smile and laugh! Gracie was one of the strongest and bravest little girls we have ever known. A true fighter!”
Via Facebook
Kristina Certain, a longtime friend of Ashley’s, reflected on Gracie’s extraordinary life:
“Gracie was born a warrior. From the very beginning, her life was a testimony of God’s power. She defied the odds, conquering every battle laid before her. She fought battles most adults could never endure, yet she faced them with courage, joy, and strength that could only have been heaven-sent.”
Via Facebook
Amber Nicole Owens, another community member, recalled Gracie’s warmth:
“Sweet sweet Gracie, you were such a bright light to everyone you were around. I remember the first time Raelynn met you, and she had the biggest smile on her face. I pray that you are no longer suffering and that you look over us all for the rest of time! God gained the best angel he could have!”
Via Facebook
After this Tragedy, the Pittsburgh community has Come Together to support the Morris Family
A Meal Train is set up to provide meals, snacks, drinks, and household necessities in the weeks ahead. The initiative shows the community’s desire to support Brett, Ashley, and Gunner in any way possible.
“This isn’t just for meals, but for anything the family may need.”
Via signupgenius
Friends and neighbors are encouraged to drop off items in the afternoon, offering practical help during this difficult time.
The Kansas Junior Patriots Football and Cheer organization issued a heartfelt call to action, asking everyone to join in praying for Gracie’s family and friends.
They described her as a cherished member of their team, whose absence will be deeply felt.
The organization’s statement underscored the collective grief and the shared commitment to honoring Gracie’s memory.
Gracie Morris was more than a cheerleader or a cancer survivor she was a beacon of hope, a source of joy, and a reminder of life’s preciousness.
In her seven years, she touched countless hearts, strengthened the faith of those around her, and showed the world what it means to live with courage. Her story, though tragically cut short, will continue to inspire.
As the Pittsburg community mourns, they also celebrate Gracie’s life. Her spunky spirit, her love for cheering, and her ability to make everyone feel loved will live on in the memories of those who knew her.
For Brett and Ashley, Gracie was their hero, a little girl who saved them in ways they can never fully express. For Gunner, she was a big sister who filled his world with love. And for the Kansas Junior Patriots and the wider Pittsburg community, she was a bright light that will never fade.
The community will continue to honor Gracie by living with the same joy and courage she embodied every day. Fly high, sweet Gracie—you will forever be Pittsburg’s brightest star.
