Childhood Cancer

You are here

Gracie Connors

  • Rhabdomyosarcoma

Click the images to see them larger above!

Learn more about
Rhabdomyosarcoma

Get the facts about Rhabdomyosarcoma and how our research projects are making a difference.

Learn More »

My husband Tim and I first experienced the immense love between parents and their child when our daughter Gracie was born on January 11, 2005. She was our first child and allowed us to experience all the amazing firsts of being a parent.

Gracie has always been funny and the type of kid that captures your heart. As her mom, I have always felt she was special and strong. I never imagined that we would face cancer with her - I guess no parent does.

A few months before Gracie's 3rd birthday, she began to limp slightly. I took her to the pediatrician thinking I was probably playing the overly cautious parent. The pediatrician thought maybe Gracie had sprained something while playing and instructed us to keep an eye on her. About a week later, the white of Gracie's eyes began to have yellow tint. I took her back to the pediatrician, who seemed a bit more concerned. We were sent for blood work and an ultrasound of Gracie's abdomen. The pediatrician's phone call the morning after the ultrasound revealed that Gracie had a tumor growing from her bile duct into her liver. The feelings that followed that phone call cannot be put into words.

We headed to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia an hour later for tests. Gracie was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Biliary Tree, a rare soft tissue cancer that affects 250 children per year. Gracie would go through 46 weeks of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of proton radiation in her treatment plan. I am constantly amazed at how she handled her treatments, and am happy to report that she is happy and doing well.

We love our Gracie girl, and couldn't be more proud of her - she's our little hero! We are also so thankful for the opportunity to participate in the work of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise money for cancer research!

Written by Jennifer Connors, Gracie’s Mom

Next Hero

Donate in Honor of Gracie Today!

Your donation helps to fund critically-needed research to find better treatments and cures for children with cancer.

Childhood Cancer Heroes

More Heroes

VIEW ALL HEROES
Mark couldn't wait to be born. He decided to make his entrance to the world in the car, rather than wait for a hospital room. But as soon as 6 weeks old, Mark began facing many challenges, including cancer relapses, in his young life.
VIEW ALL HEROES