Story by Michaela Gordoni/ USA
Who knew a grandma playing Minecraft could help her grandson fight cancer?
The grandma herself, Sue Jacquot, didn’t know until she went viral. After a little money from her videos comes in, it’s all going toward her grandson’s medical bills.
Ever since her grandkids taught her to play Minecraft, the 81-year-old Arizona resident has been uploading videos under the gamer name, GrammaCrackers.
Her grandson, Jack, is currently in remission for sarcoma cancer, which affects soft muscles and tissue. His family still has a lot of medical bills to pay from his chemo treatments.
“The first couple of months I was kinda intimidated [by Minecraft],” she said in her first video. “But I’ve been playing more the past couple of months, and I really enjoyed it, and I invite you to come along with me in this new adventure.”
They Also Set Up a GoFundMe to Help
Her grandson, Austin, set up a GoFundMe to help cover Jack’s expenses, too.
“You’re stepping into a little world that’s different than your own,” she said. “[I’m] GrammaCrackers because I like Graham Crackers.”
“People responded so positively,” she explained. “That’s when I realized maybe I could get enough money to help my daughter and her family pay for some of this treatment that Jack’s been through.”
Grandson Had a ‘Devastating’ Cancer Battle
Jack says his treatment was months long and very difficult.
“He’s just a very special young man,” Sue said. “It was devastating.”
“It’s really like a mortgage on a small house by the time you finish the chemo,” she said of the medical bills.
Sue’s Videos Have Gone Viral
Over the past two months, Sue’s videos have gotten over half a million views and 360,000+ subscribers. In a special video, GrammaCrackers was joined by Jack on a stream, where she gave him a tour of her Minecraft build.
Sue is still trying to get better at the game and has a whole notebook of tips and tricks to help her. Sue has enjoyed the challenge of gaming and encourages other grandmas to try out Minecraft, too.
“I’m thrilled that I can be able to provide any kind of help for him that I can,” Sue explained.
On Jan. 17, Austin commented on the GoFundMe page: “The biggest blessing we’ve received has been Jack’s improving health as he is in remission. He continues to fight every day getting stronger and healthier amid ever continuing doctor’s visits and follow ups.”
It’s just incredible that an 81-year-old would take to gaming, but she’s doing it for a great cause. I hope she continues to rake in tons of support for Jack.
