
Jace Ward had just turned 20. He loved his work preparing for trials in a law firm, taking business classes and making college friends when he had a bit of double vision in the far corner of his eye. An optometrist, a CT and an MRI two days later would confirm what no one expected. Jace had DIPG – 100% fatal upon diagnosis, the most deadly childhood cancer had begun to ravage his body. The kind doctor looked Jace in the eyes. “What you have is inoperable, its aggressive, it is cancer in your brainstem. It will kill you. It’s not a matter of if, it is more a matter of when.” With that Jace asked simply, “How long do I have?” The doctor hesitated, Jace continued, “I’m not afraid to die, I’m afraid I won’t make an impact before I do”. The answer hung heavy in the air “You have 6-9 months.” What do you do with 6-9 months? How do you spend the time you have? How at age 20 do you even comprehend such a diagnosis?