Gracie
6 years old, high-grade thalamic brain tumor, Ohio
Gracie was a toddler when she was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). ACC is extremely rare, having an incidence of 1 in 3.3 million. The tumor was removed surgically at a hospital near the family’s hometown in Ohio. ACC is such an aggressive cancer that Gracie had to come back to the hospital for regular checkups. Through this experience, her family learned that St. Jude was the center of ACC research, and they began making regular donations to the hospital. Earlier this year, Gracie’s doctors declared her cured, which meant there was no need for further checkups. One month later, the little girl began exhibiting right-side weakness. Soon, she was found to be suffering from a rare brain cancer called high-grade glioma. Lightning had struck twice for this devastated family.
After learning that their little girl would need ongoing treatment, Gracie’s parents requested a referral to St. Jude. Gracie has completed radiation, and her chemo will continue for up to two years. The little girl, who once was a gymnast and who loved to dance and sing, has been fighting her way back from paralysis. With the help of St. Jude, she is relearning basic skills. She’s also a fashionista who dresses up to come to the hospital.