Remembering Anna Grace Phelan: A Light That Shone Through Darkness
At just 19 years old, Anna Grace Phelan lived with a kind of courage most never have to summon.
A beloved TikTok creator and beacon of faith, Anna Grace openly documented her battle with terminal brain cancer, allowing thousands to witness not just her illness—but her strength, her gratitude, and her grace.
Anna Grace passed away on May 23, 2025, following a fierce battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer known as Grade 4 diffuse midline glioma. Diagnosed shortly after graduating from Jefferson High School in Georgia, her plans for college were abruptly placed on hold.
But instead of retreating in fear, Anna Grace chose to step forward—sharing her reality with honesty, faith, and hope.
A Virtual Community Mourns
Her mother broke the news of her passing in a tender TikTok tribute, set to soft music and filled with heartfelt images. “She never lost her light,” her mother shared, as thousands of comments poured in—words of love, prayer, and remembrance from those she touched across the world.
Anna Grace’s final TikTok, posted just a week before her passing, was a quiet moment of thanks. Speaking softly, visibly weak but still smiling, she expressed gratitude to Tim Tebow for a thoughtful care package that lifted her spirits. Even as her health declined, her appreciation and warmth shone through.
Faith Through the Fight
Throughout her illness, Anna Grace remained anchored by her faith. A devoted member of her church and a former employee at a dermatology and cancer clinic, she lived her values through service and connection. Her social media posts—marked by scripture, personal prayers, and messages of encouragement—became a source of strength not only for her but for so many others navigating their own pain.
She spoke openly about her misdiagnoses, the difficult treatments, and the emotional toll of living with a terminal illness at such a young age.
But never once did she frame her story as one of defeat. Instead, she invited others to see her journey as one of purpose, resilience, and love.
An Outpouring of Support
More than $66,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to support her family with medical and funeral costs. Friends, strangers, and fellow believers have left notes thanking her for her faith-filled witness. “You changed how I see the world,” one supporter wrote. “You reminded me what it means to live fully—even when life hurts.”
Anna Grace’s funeral will be held on May 29 at Galilee Christian Church, where she had once worshipped, sang, and found community. Those attending say they will gather not only in mourning, but in celebration of a life lived with extraordinary faith.
A Legacy That Lingers
Though Anna Grace’s time was far too short, her impact endures. Through each heartfelt video, each smile in the face of hardship, she left behind a legacy of hope and unshakable belief. She reminded her followers that peace can exist alongside pain, that faith doesn’t require a perfect outcome—and that strength often looks like gentleness.
Her story will continue to echo in the hearts of all who followed her, prayed with her, and drew strength from her witness. Anna Grace Phelan may be gone, but the light she carried lives on—in every life she touched, and in every act of kindness inspired by her memory.