Grandmother and Young Granddaughter Battling Cancer At the Exact Same Time

Life has a way of handling us challenges we never expect, like this grandmother and young granddaughter who found themselves battling cancer at the exact same time. But in these moments, God provides us with the strength and relationships we need to endure. For Alicia and her toddler granddaughter Whitney, their challenge came in the form of cancer, and their strength was found in their bond with each other. Who knew a toddler and a grandmother could support each one another and be the warriors needed to walk with each other?

Alicia, a 62-year-old grandmother, was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the same time, her grandbaby Whitney, not yet even a year old, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After Alicia got the news of the battle she would be facing, she then got a call from Whitney’s parents, Shelly and Tyler. They all soon found themselves racing between two different hospitals as they navigated the life-altering journey of cancer.

The Two Were Battling Cancer Together

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“It was the most surreal thing,” Alicia shared. “We were literally running from MD Anderson to Texas Children's, trying to just get there." And in that whirlwind, one thing became clear—this wasn’t a fight any of them would face alone. Throughout their treatments, Alicia and Whitney became each other’s inspiration. When Alicia felt the fear of chemotherapy, she looked at her granddaughter.

"There were several different instances where I was scared about what I had coming up, and Shelly would go, 'Mom, Whitney's already done that.' So I'm like, 'Well, okay, I can do this too, you know,' " she added. Alicia’s faith deepened in those moments, realizing that God had placed Whitney in her life not just to love but to strengthen her.

Shelly and Tyler, Whitney’s parents, juggled hospital stays and caring for their other child. Alicia’s mother-in-law stepped in to ensure that even as Alicia underwent chemo, she could spend time with Whitney. This was love in action—a picture of the hands and feet of Jesus, moving and serving in the hardest of times.

Alicia Leaned On Her Faith And The Example of Her Granddaughter

In June, Whitney underwent a bone marrow transplant, and Alicia faced a double mastectomy shortly after. As they lost their hair—side effects of chemo—it became a visible reminder of their shared journey. Whitney’s resilience gave Alicia courage. When fear crept in, Alicia leaned on her faith and the example of her tiny warrior granddaughter.

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For Alicia and Whitney, the fight isn’t over. Alicia still faces treatments, and Whitney is continuing her recovery. Yet, their story is one of hope—proof that God places us in the exact relationships we need to weather life’s storms. Family is one of God’s most profound gifts we’ve been given. It’s a daily reminder of His love and provision. When life places us on paths we’d never choose—those deep, challenging journeys filled with uncertainty and pain—God often strengthens us through the people who walk beside us. It’s in the shared tears, the whispered prayers, and the quiet acts of love that we see His hand at work.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."

WATCH: Grandmother and Young Granddaughter Battling Cancer At the Exact Same Time

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h/t: People

Photo Credit: Facebook/Good Morning America

Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social media consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her kids, high school sweetheart, and three cats who are her entourage around the homestead. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. She is full of grace and grit, raw honesty, and truly believes tacos can solve just about any situation. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Connect with her at www.HeatherRiggleman.com or on Facebook.