Jace is a tough guy, with a great smile, quick humor and good heart. Jace grew up in Inman, KS and moved to Wamego, KS prior to his 6th grade year in 2010. He was a tough contender on the football field wearing number 2 and participated in other sports and activities throughout high school. In high school, he loved helping as a peer tutor in a special needs classroom. He graduated in 2017. Jace finished his Junior year at KSU during his treatment for DIPG. He now starts is final year needed to graduate with a degree in business with prelaw emphasis. Jace loves good friends, good times, and a good debate. He's generally easy going, but man is he stubborn when working towards something. He's going to give cancer a dang good fight!
Jace worked to overcome right side weakness in his walk and fine motor skills, left eye double vision, left facial numbness and the feeling his right leg is always freezing. He endured 30 rounds of radiation and started a clinical trial called ONC201 in September 2019. Jace has traveled often during this year speaking to Congress, the NIH, NCI, at fundraising gala events and on social media to increase awareness of DIPG and to open paths of funding for more research a drug access.
Jace Ward gained his angel wings on July 3rd, 2021. He was one of the biggest advocates for the children facing DIPG and always brought his voice and opinion to important discussions. He will always be remembered as a phenomenal son, brother, friend, DIPG warrior and advocate, and an all around amazing person. Thank you Jace for everything you have done, and fighting on behalf of the children who don’t have a voice.
“DIPG is not rare. It’s just rarely talked about. ”