Grace R.

This beautiful, spunky, little ball of sunshine is Grace Ann Renfrow!

Many months before Gracie's diagnosis, she had been having bouts of terrible constipation and waking up constantly in the middle of the night, screaming inconsolably in obvious pain.

In December 2020, we noticed Grace limping when she walked. We took her to the doctor where they ran a few blood tests, ultrasound, and x-ray. The only discovery made was that her LDH Levels were extremely high, signifying that she had some major inflammation in the body. We were therefore referred to a hematologist oncologist.

Once further blood tests were run, they discovered she recently had an infection, so they believed it to be Transient Synovitis of the hip - which would resolve on its own. However, our doctor wanted to follow up for a few weeks until her LDH and limp improved. After weeks of no positive progression and even more increased LDH levels, a bone marrow biopsy was performed in conjunction with an MRI and CT Scan.

On February 23rd, 2021 we received the worst news a parent could hear. Our Amazing Grace was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in her pelvis with metastasis to the bone marrow, spine, and lymph nodes. We also found out that her tumor is MYCN amplified, which carries even more negativity.

Grace will have to undergo 6 rounds of chemotherapy, stem cell harvest, possible surgical removal of any leftover tumor, tandem high dose chemo with stem cell rescue, several rounds of radiation and immunotherapy, followed by two years of maintenance therapy.

We are very positive people, so we have faith that our warrior can and WILL beat this monster inside of her! We are currently gearing up for cycle 4 of chemo, and her belly has already shrunk several centimeters. Her LDH levels have also dropped drastically. She's sleeping better through the night and is the happiest we've ever seen her, that's WITH chemotherapy! It must be doing something right

Although our world has been flipped upside down and shaken all around, we have adopted the action of taking everything one hour at a time!"

Update August 2022:

The results are IN...

**DRUMROLL PLEASE **

Still CANCER FREE!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who sent positive vibes and prayers our way! Here's to another 3 months of a little less worry!

#AmazingGrace #TeamAmazingGrace #GracieStrong #TeamGracieStrong #cancerfree #survivor #Neuroblastoma #childhoodcancer #morethan4 #isntshelovelY

Update May 2023:

Gracie's MRI came back with no changes from last time. Still need to do MIBG scan which will be the 17th of this month, but all still looks clear so far! 15 months and counting in remission!

April 2024. Note from mom:

I just wanted to update you on how much you have lifted our burden these last few weeks and thank you again for everything. I've been able to have my time back, which has allowed me more time with my babies and LOTS more patience and sanity...and in turn HAPPINESS for everyone here. I even had time to coordinate the move of her future care to Palm Beach Children's Hospital, so all of her scans will be done closer to home. And I don't have to worry about how I'm going to pay a bill when I have to miss work during those times!

I'm able to come home to my family after my ONE job and not have to worry about heading straight to a second job. I'm able to take a day off which is SUCH a needed relief.

We love you guys so much...not just for all that you give but for all that you truly are!