Our Founders

Jonathan and Maegan Thornton are the founders of Graylee Jo’s Grace: Fighting CHD One Heart at a Time.

Their journey began on July 26, 2023, when their firstborn daughter, Graylee Jo Thornton, entered the world with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) — a rare and serious single ventricle congenital heart defect.

Shortly after birth, Graylee Jo underwent the Norwood procedure and spent 34 days in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) at Duke University Medical Center before being discharged home. During the interstage period, Graylee Jo suffered sudden cardiac arrest for unknown reasons and passed away while at home.

For 78 precious days, Graylee Jo taught everyone around her the truest definition of love, strength, and grace. She made the world a brighter, kinder place and she was truly an angel on earth. Although her time on earth was short, her impact remains to this day. Graylee Jo taught us all how to be #GJstrong.

Our Board Members

Our Founders

Our Board Members

Anna is so honored to not only be a member of Graylee Jo's Grace, but to also be her aunt. Anna’s hope is that we bring comfort, love, and encouragement to those who are affected by HLHS and know that no family is alone in this fight!

Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me".

Elizabeth is truly honored to serve on the board of Graylee Jo’s Grace. She is blessed to be the wife of her wonderful husband, Michael, and the proud mom of two amazing children, Weston and Charlotte. Elizabeth has shared a deep friendship with Graylee Jo’s mom, Maegan, walking alongside each other through many of life’s challenges. After witnessing firsthand the impact that congenital heart disease, especially HLHS, can have on a family, and seeing Graylee Jo’s parent’s incredible strength and unwavering commitment, joining this board was an opportunity that felt deeply meaningful to her. Being part of Graylee Jo’s Grace allows Elizabeth to help honor Graylee Jo’s beautiful legacy by supporting CHD families.

Chelsea is excited to serve on the board of Graylee Jo’s Grace. As a mom to two wonderful boys here on earth and her HLHS warrior daughter, Miley, in heaven, she’s deeply passionate about supporting families impacted by CHD and raising awareness for congenital heart defects - especially hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Joining Graylee Jo’s Grace felt like a natural step for her, as she hopes to honor both Graylee Jo and Miley’s legacy by helping other families find support, community, and hope.

Emily is a local pharmacist who is passionate about serving and caring for those in need. She has served on her church's Support and Endowment committee for many years, helping designate funds for charitable needs in our community and beyond. Being able to help Graylee Jo's Grace's work to support and encourage families in need of hope and comfort is a blessing. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family, participating in her church, and relaxing at Ocean Isle Beach.

Crystal Parker has been married to her husband, David, for 9 years. They have two beautiful children on earth, Jana Beth and Jaxon, and one baby boy, Dax, in Heaven. Crystal is honored to serve on the board of Graylee Jo’s Grace as Graylee Jo will always be her beautiful niece. She knows the pain of losing a child, and hopes to help other families walking scary roads and facing tough outcomes, experience some of Graylee Jo’s Grace. She hopes to honor Graylee Jo, while also honoring her own angel, Dax.

Graylee Jo's Grace - Fighting CHD One Heart at a Time

765 Iris Bryant Road, Dunn NC
grayleejosgrace@gmail.com

919-820-2139