March 8, 2011 - See Updated Story at USA Swimming

After competing in the Illinois state swim meet in November 2008, 16-year-old Grace Waller was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in her right leg. Grace, a DeKalb resident, was referred to Dr. Walter Virkus, an orthopaedic oncology specialist at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Dr. Virkus removed six inches of Grace's femur as well as rebuilding her knee to remove the osteosarcoma. "Grace and her family were great," said Dr. Virkus. "Fortunately they were able to put things in the proper perspective and understood the priorities, and their priorities were the same as ours." In addition to the extensive surgery, Grace also underwent months of chemotherapy treatments to fully remove the cancer in her leg. Her recovery was difficult, but through much support from her family and friends, she is now cancer free.

Grace had always been determined to return to her sport. With the expert care of Dr. Virkus and his team, as well as hard work and support, she was able to not only return to the water but win the sectional competition in 2010

Patricia Piasecki, Grace Waller, and Dr. Virkus

View the full interview from Comcast SportsNet, High School Lites below.