CORNWALL, Ontario – A Cornwall area teacher that was the centre of a massive fundraising effort to help with experimental cancer treatments has lost her battle with the dreaded disease.
Stephanie Grady died Saturday. She was just 32.
Social media lit up on the weekend with expressions of sympathy.
Grady was a teacher at St. Lawrence High School and had three children with her husband Nick. She lived in Long Sault.
Grady suffered from NUT midline carcinoma, an aggressive cancer that had spread to her hips, pelvis, and spine.
Doctors had pronounced her condition incurable.
In order to provide the opportunity for Grady to participate in a clinical drug trial at a cancer institute in Boston, supporters had organized events ranging from online and silent auctions to athletic events and tournaments, as well as breakfasts, brunches and dinners.
Volunteers had spearheaded a fundraising campaign, dubbed ‘We’re NUT giving up’ to help raise money for the treatments. The campaign raised more than $100,000 in just one month earlier this year.
“She is one of the most humble, kind and giving individuals I have ever met,” said Heather Lisney, a Brockville teacher that was co-ordinating fundraising work for the family, said back in February. “She is warm, nurturing and hard-working.”
Visitation will be held at the Brownlee Funeral Home in Ingleside on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Grady’s funeral will take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church in Ingleside.
