Support Gracie Mae

Hi, I’m Gracie’s Cousin Katy. We are hoping to raise some funds to help Gracie, and support her over this very difficult time. We have planned a Christmas shopping night at Brocante Charlestown on the 15th of November, but also wanted give people who aren’t able to join us on the night a way of donating. What we raise will go directly to her, and we would love to think she could make a horrible time just a little more pleasant.

Gracie is 18 years old and working hard at her first full time job. Like many girls of her age she enjoys time with family, friends and travel, a real passion since she passed her driving test. In fact she celebrated finishing college by driving on a 1000mile round trip to Scotland with her friends in her 17yr old Micra !

What Gracie doesn’t show behind her smile and fun, is the sadness of dealing with a brain tumour. At just 13 she was diagnosed with the tumour, and she has already had three brain surgeries. This has meant missed school, missed fun and the impact the surgeries have left her with.

Devastatingly her Grandad was diagnosed with a late stage brain tumour on New Years Eve 2023, and passed away in March.

In September a follow up scan revealed the tumour was back. It was totally devastating following three years of being tumour free. Sadly due to the location it will not be able to be removed due to the high risk of paralysis.

This means Gracie faces repeated surgery as the cancer continues to grow, unless it becomes too dangerous to operate. She will probably require radiotherapy and chemotherapy unless the risk of these is too great.

The term that has been used is to look at a life lived with quality not quantity. All her hard won independence feels lost. Gracie can not drive for 12 months following surgery, and even travel insurance has become extremely expensive.

We would like to raise funds so she has opportunities that she can experience now and for as long as she can enjoy them.

If you want to know more about the impact of brain tumours, how to spot the signs and symptoms and look at the current research please go to the Brain Tumour Charity website www.the braintumourcharity.org Their support has been invaluable. Gracie has also had huge support from her local Teenage Cancer Trust peer group, where she gets to meet friends who have also had a cancer diagnosis www.teenagecancertrust.org