A Beverly Hills woman has defied medical expectations after being told she had just six months to live following a devastating brain tumour diagnosis at the tender age of 13.
Grace Wethor, now 22, was struck by unbearable headaches and crippling fatigue before doctors discovered a tumour in her brainstem. With a mere 8% chance of survival, Grace was faced with a terrifying six-month deadline to live. But instead of giving in, she seized every moment, living life to the fullest with the unwavering support of her mother.
“I was 13 years old when they found the mass in my brain,” Grace explained. “Because it was located in the brainstem, doctors couldn’t perform surgery or even a biopsy. I was given six months and sent home with no further medical steps.”
Despite this grim prognosis, Grace’s journey took an unexpected turn. Nearly ten years later, her tumour, though still present, has been contained. She continues to undergo regular MRI scans to monitor its status but remains realistic about her future, knowing there’s still a long way to go for a breakthrough treatment.
Speaking from her Beverly Hills home, Grace shared her thoughts on her remarkable survival: “It was terrifying, but in a way, that diagnosis was a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to spend what I thought were my last months doing the things I loved.”
Her tumour affects the pons, a critical part of the brainstem responsible for essential functions like breathing and heartbeat regulation. Yet, against all odds, Grace is still here, defying medical expectations and living life with a new perspective.
While Grace has lost friends who battled similar illnesses, their memory drives her to continue fighting, not just for herself but for others waiting for a cure. “Losing friends has been the hardest part of this journey, but it motivates me to keep pushing for new treatments.”
Grace’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of living life fully, even in the face of life-threatening adversity. “Although it’s been the hardest experience of my life, I’m grateful. It made me live the life I probably always should have been living,” she reflects.
Now an actress and author, Grace remains hopeful that advancements in medicine will one day lead to a breakthrough, but in the meantime, she’s making every moment count.