May 17, 2008 – February 12, 2016
Diagnosed: November, 2014
On Sunday, November 9th, 2014 Grace White (age 6) fell while attending church with her mother, Amy, and three siblings. The fall was so severe that Grace was rushed to the local hospital for treatment. During this hospital visit, a CAT scan was performed, and doctors discovered a tumor on Grace’s brain stem. Her father, Scott, a LTC in the US Army Special Forces, was in Afghanistan when he received the news, and immediately headed home to his family. Unsure of the specifics of Grace’s tumor, Scott had no idea that he and Amy were about to begin the most difficult fight of their lives. But they were not alone, and before Scott stepped foot on US soil, people were mobilizing to support Grace and his family. Brothers, friends, and family were already at work, and many more were standing by to move mountains to ensure Grace was supported to the fullest.
Early in the fight, Amy envisioned a fundraising campaign entitled “Guns for Grace,” the idea which eventually gave birth to The Operation Grace White Foundation. Amy and Scott decided that beyond love, prayer, and support, the best way to help Grace was by declaring war on DIPG; helping fund research, helping others affected, and doing everything in their power to ensure that no other family would have to fight a similar fight.
As a Green Beret, Scott has lived by the motto “De Oppresso Liber,” Free The Oppressed. DIPG may be the worst form of oppression ever, as it attacks our children, steals their dreams, and robs them of the most cherished thing we have…life!
Grace Caroline White of Fayetteville, NC won her final earthly battle on February 12, 2016. At the age of 7, and after a challenging 15 months with a rare form of brain cancer known as DIPG, Grace earned her place in the Kingdom of Heaven. She went peacefully, painlessly, and quickly, while at home and surrounded by family and friends. (Source: Operation Grace White).
To learn more about Grace, please visit Operation Grace White.
