In 2017, when Gillian was just 11 years old, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right femur. She underwent nine months of chemotherapy treatment, which she completed in 2018. Additionally, she had to endure nine surgeries, the last of which was performed in 2022.
Gillian’s family remembers the medical team at Columbia and remain grateful for the attentive and personalized care they received, which was instrumental in Gillian’s journey.
“They never rushed our encounters and took the time to get to know each of us,” Allison, Gillian’s older sister, said. “They always remembered what book Gillian was reading the last time they saw her and inquired how my classes were coming along.”
Gillian and her family’s treatment experience has led them to raise awareness and advocate for access to quality pediatric cancer care. They participated in the Hope & Heroes Walk and continue to use their voices to support other patient families facing similar journeys. Her mom, Stacy, shared why support for Hope & Heroes is so vital:
“While we are fortunate to have health coverage, we know that others who don’t have insurance aren’t turned away but are given the same attention and treatment. Until such disparities are eradicated, we want to help ensure that every child diagnosed can receive high-quality care.”
Gillian is a senior fine arts major at a performing arts high school and turns 18 years old this month. She also advocates for other kids and adolescents diagnosed with the same disease she had. She recently traveled to the nation’s capital to champion for osteosarcoma research funding at the White House, Congress and the National Institutes of Health. Gillian recently published an opinion piece in Newsweek, where she called for better treatments for kids with osteosarcoma and increased funding for research.
Kudos to Gillian, a survivor and childhood cancer ambassador. We know great things are ahead for her and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
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