Grace Skuches
At 6 month old, Grace, was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdiod Tumor (ATRT). An extremely rare, very difficult to treat pediatric brain tumor. The tumor had been fully resected and there were no other tumors present in her brain or on her spine. Her spinal fluid was negative for cancer cells. Grace completed 5 rounds of chemotherapy, 1 stem cell harvest, and 3 stem cell rescues. Just after completing treatment, in December 2015, it was determined that Grace had No Evidence of Disease. By the first week in January 2016, Grace had facial paralysis that ultimately was determined to be caused by a recurrent tumor. The cancer was back. She completed 7 weeks of Proton-Beam Therapy in January and February 2016. She was placed on maintenance chemo for over 18 months. Grace had endured a many setbacks, like a subdural hematoma, shunt revision, numerous infections and a PICC reinsertion. She was a fighter! In August 2017, Grace relapsed for a third time and was placed in hospice care. Grace passed away at home on September 7, 2017.
Grace was treated at Columbia Presbyterian in the Pediatric Oncology Department. While being treated at the oncology clinic, Grace experienced the Alfano Arts in Medicine Studio. Over the past 2 years of treatment, Grace has grown up at the clinic and inpatient. She started working with Nitza at 7 months old. Grace’s older brother, John, even got to experience the art studio.
Over these, 2 years, we have been lucky enough to be able to help resupply the art studio with donations from Grace supporters. We hope to continue Grace’s legacy by having donations made in her honor to the Hope and Heroes Children’s Cancer Foundation, specifically, the Alfano Arts in Medicine Studio.
Though Grace’s time here was short, she left a lasting impression on everyone she touched. Her tenacity, strength and resilience helped carry us through her brain cancer battle for the past 2 years. Grace truly loved her brother and sister, Minnie Mouse, ice cream and especially Hershey’s chocolate kisses.
Jennifer and Kenneth Skuches (Mom and Dad)
Jen and Ken continue to honor Grace everyday in the good works they do in her name. They are committed to telling the world about Grace and that kids get cancer too.
John and Rose Skuches
(Big Brother and Little Sister)
Big Brother John and Little Sister Rose are the best helpers around! They help pack, organize, and deliver donations.