The Ward Family Story (DIPG & CAR T-cell Therapy)

Lisa and Roger Ward share the story of their son Jace's journey to become one of the first DIPG patients to participate in a CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial.
Following Jace's passing in July of 2021, Lisa and Roger continue to honor their son's memory as advocates for DIPG research and founders of #Tough2Gether Against DIPG/DMG.
This video originally aired as part of the virtual 2021 Emily Whitehead Foundation Believe Ball on September 16, 2021. #WriteABetterStory
Filmed by Cale Mitchell Photography.
Edited and produced by Paperboy Media Group.

[@traceyclarke9331]

they are more than an amazing family....I was sick in hospital last year and nearly died of Sepsis. I had on the bracelet that I got saying I can't die I'm busy that the family sent me. I reached out to Lisa because I was scared and I couldn't have family in due to covid. She sent me the nicest most uplifting heartfelt message I have ever received. I still have it. This all while her beautiful Jace was so sick. She helped a complete stranger days before her own son died. I have no words. I now advocate for this cause whenever I can. We held a BBQ this summer at my work and sent all the proceeds to "The Cure Starts Now" Jace you started it and I'm going to help all I can to finish it. Thank you to Ward family for all your kindness and for giving the world Jace when we needed it. Hugs to you all!!!!!

[@ejwis1]

Thank you Jace. The fact that it did something is a miracle. DIPG usually has no treatment.

[@IndigoRoses7]

Rest in Heaven, Jace. He was such a strong young man that always was helping others

[@sallymccoy6286]

My brother was 55 when he passed away from DPIG. He sadly only lasted 2 months from start to finish. I'm so grateful for the 2 extra months. Two months ago my cousin was diagnosed with DPIG. SHE'S in her 70's. 😢😢

[@mrs.marshajohnson7431]

How brave. He is a hero

[@annagarza7299]

Every time I watch or read a story about kids of all ages with cancer 😭💔 just devastates me be cause our 7 yr old son was diagnosed with cancer osteosarcoma we were devastated we knew the life our little family had was gone and being thrown into hospital after hospital and operations and of course chemo he was allergic to methotrexate swelled up like a balloon 😭 we did not know it was possible to CRY SO MUCH ! I’m so sorry your family had to go through this nightmare ❤️

[@francesrivard9045]

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful son.

[@Lisa_BisaRN]

Thank you for sharing this story & for your son's bravery.

[@ginadillon2072]

What wonderful parents to share this story so eloquently. Bless you.

[@50sRockChick]

Aww I’ve seen Jace’s story prior to this and hadn’t realised he’d passed away. Such a gorgeous young man. Thank you for being brave enough to do the trial, because without him and people like him trialing it, there will never be a cure. At least there is a chance and this is the most positive research so far.

[@chuckersimsII]

We love Jace and miss him he is still here in spirit bless you wonderful parents love you guys stay safe and were thinking of you ❤Bless you

[@judyhoffman7290]

Thanks for sharing your story! Bless your family!❤❤

[@lucyolliesmom3235]

From someone who lives in Kansas City too, I am so sorry for your loss. What a handsome young man who along with his family battled a fight unlike no other. Thank you for sharing his/your story.

[@bappaichotu]

I lost my brother to this disease in India with practically no treatment. My heart goes out to you.

[@beth6288]

No words just love and hugs ❤🎆

[@debisusan4338]

You are amazing and strong! May Jace’s memory be a blessing.

[@marthaschoendorf8505]

Thank U for sharing. Even though it is Soo hard. He is with u in every speck of the Universe. Always!. Remember THAT. He is Never Gone. He Now Surrounds u with LOVE.

[@maridollinfer2605]

A wonderful family and a strong, brave young man. He did so much good.

[@lynntorson1984]

What a beautiful family. You parents are extraordinary. The love and passion in your voice is so honorable as well as continuing on this quest to help strangers. I can only imagine what a fantastic kid you have you know the apple never falls far from the tree. I pray your journey comes to an end with 100% cure rate soon. Lynn, Dodge City, KS

[@alechamid235]

You two look so strong for a couple who have lost a son.

[@lindamarie6574]

Brave young man!

[@im2cuteferu]

Amazing! This is the first really hopeful video on DIPG I’ve seen! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@teijaflink2226]

Very sad that he passed away but it sounds really hopeful, better than any other therapies that I have heatd of.

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

A wonderful family and their sons loss and their journey😢

[@AS-yz2iz]

My son was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019, but the conventional chemo worked for him. One of my friend's sons did do Car-T therapy for his Wilms Tumor.

[@violetv9037]

You both are so strong I just don't know how I would go on without my two sons. I'm truly sorry from the bottom of my heart. Just know that one day you'll see your son again only the Good die Young God had another purpose for your son in heaven but it sure don't make it any easier here on Earth again I'm truly sorry

[@type1dmama299]

What a fantastic family. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@debbullock2979]

What a wonderful family

[@dawnegan3984]

Love all the children who are going through this and all types of cancer 🎅🎄⛄🎍🎋🤶🎄💖

[@dawnegan3984]

My you both so brave to do this video love to all your family ✨🕊️✨🕊️✨🕊️✨🕊️✨

[@lindaward3156]

What a inspired story that must be difficult to share. My heart goes out to you and my head tells me you've done your best. It must have been a gift to have that time with him. It's so hard to convey the multitudes of perspective of what you've gone/still going through but doing this is amazing.

[@tashamarie9216]

God bless him he is what I like to call a hero he went big.

[@justinwright1614]

What a brave and strong young man

[@cindyconchiglia8241]

Beautiful family ❤️

[@RedTitan5]

We hope for the best ... Thank you ma'am and sir

[@DefiantAngel87]

I'm so deeply sorry.

[@erikak8187]

I heard about his passing. I’m so sorry

[@ebellyfish4256]

Hearts to you all!

[@helenakantorska7029]

My son has been diagnosed with this tumor on the last day of 2021. In UK they do nto want to do biopsy and they do nto want to send us for any clinical trials. Im devastated and I dont know what to do anymore. Its a nightmare watching him suffers like that.

[@teijaflink2226]

How is it possible when a clinical trial is an only possible hope, this makes me angry. Of course it matters how sick the child is, treatment should not cause more suffering if it's not proven to help.

[@helenakantorska7029]

@@teijaflink2226 I dont know how this is all possible but all I know is that my son is slowly dying and no one is to help us. The here in UK are that you cannot enter any clinical trial without biopy. On the other hand becasue we do not have biopsy we do not really know anything specific about this tumor. We do not know what type it is etc... so the whole disganosis is based on the assumptions that what this could be. If we would have sample and run the tests we would be 100 % sure what type etc and then more doors are open for us but unfortunately we stuck in Edinburgh Caner Clinig without hope.

[@Karzieks]

Have you heard of Professor Chris Jones from the Institute of Cancer Research? Maybe you could reach out to him? Sorry you & your son don't have any support :( .

[@helenakantorska7029]

@@Karzieks Ive never heard about him. Thank you I gonna try and reach out to him

[@Claudia-7777]

Hi I’m so sorry for what you and your son are going through. Please don’t lose hope. Have you considered a plant based diet? Juicing? Fasting? There are many natural remedies that are not only beneficial but there are less or no side effects. Gerson therapy is another one. Also Chris beats cancer here on KZbin has a lot of interviews with cancer survivors who went against the mainstream and took control of their lives naturally. I wish you the best and remember not to ever lose Hope!!! Blessings to you!

[@gueritacruz3148]

GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏 ❤️ AMEN FOR YOU SON 🙏

[@tiinakari4055]

my grandson died in April one year ago to same illness in age 18

[@DefiantAngel87]

I'm so deeply sorry.

[@DeMiRancho]

Sorry for your loss i was just wondering did you try giving him guanabana oil or lots of vitamin c ?

[@leewiley1944]

I pray for a cure. And, I pray for comfort for you, as only Jesus can. God bless you. ❤️🙏

[@lindaferrari5182]

Wonderful Whi

[@tanikagriffin6478]

My nephew died at almost 2 years old with dipg

[@zeldadesantiago6974]

Wow

[@Julie86Mac]

😭😭😭

[@Threehuahuas]

I’ve seen a lot of videos on dipg & it sounds so awful, not that cancer in general isn’t. Were they reading cue cards? Because if not, the way they were able to word this whole thing was amazing!

[@poloab2273]

My daughter 😢😢😢😢 is suffering from this disease!

[@DeMiRancho]

My son was diagnosed on november the 11th 😢 give her lots of guanabana extrac oil and tea also lots of vitamin c best luck we both need a miracle

[@sylwiakosek1056]

♥️🙏

[@hyper_on_rr8623]

Wow!! I'm so glad some Americans have enough money to actually be able to fly privately to be treated by the best team of doctors and can afford top of the line medicines and trials. Meanwhile us poor people have to watch our loved ones die with no help or treatment because of money. Sorry for your loss.

[@Toffee146]

PERIPHERAL vision.... DIFFUSE Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

[@madelaineaslam7040]

Luke 13:1-5 New Living Translation A Call to Repentance 13 About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. 2 “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? 3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. 4 And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? 5 No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”

[@MissMariQueen]

Read a proper book!

[@purebride8600]

There is a perfect answer for DIPG, and every disease known… His name is Jesus. Psalm 103 1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; 4Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

[@molossergirl2]

Amen, my believing son died from cancer aged 18 and his hope was in His Lord!

[@MissMariQueen]

You are out of your mind! You religious nuts are unbelievable.