Grace
Grace was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in October 2007. She's now 17, and thankfully she continues to do well.
“We are so proud of Grace and the young lady she is growing up to be. When she relapsed, we knew the chances were high that we may never see her achieving everything she is, but we couldn’t be happier. We are grateful for all we have in her.”
Grace's parents, Kevin and Millicent
Grace's story
Grace was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in October 2007, aged 18 months after her parents noticed slight swelling of her jaw. By the time Grace was diagnosed the cancer had spread. Her parents, Kevin and Millicent, opted for surgery and antibody treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York and the family travelled there in January 2008 so Grace could start treatment.
In August 2008, Grace's parents were devastated to learn she had relapsed and required urgent brain surgery to remove a tumour. Grace received further antibody treatment to the brain and spine at MSKCC.
But Grace powered on. The surgery was successful, as was the intensive brain and spine radiation. There was also another round of high-dose chemotherapy. She hasn’t had any evidence of the disease since.
Growing up
The final cost of Grace’s treatment in the US was almost $1 million, which the family fundraised for with the support of Solving Kids’ Cancer UK, the Cork Association of New York, friends in Ireland and the Irish American Community.
“Grace has grown up through many hospital visits and still has some challenges ahead, but her great sense of humour, her confidence, and drive to beat whatever is thrown at her, keep her going forward,” says dad, Kevin.
The support Grace has received from her sister has also been a strong factor in her success, as it is often those words from a sibling that make all the difference, Kevin told us.
Grace has little or no memory of events between 2007 - 2009 and her trips to America for treatment. She continues to have regular check-ups in Bristol, Bath and London and all is going well well for her. She has just turned 17!
"It's hard to believe it has been over 15 years since she received antibody treatment in New York. Our thoughts go to the children and families fighting this horrible disease – many new developments give kids a better chance today. Have faith, Grace is over 10 years down the road, so there is hope and it can be beaten.”
Grace's dad, Kevin
