Teenager, popular on TikTok, passes away at 19 following her battle with stage 4 brain cancer.
TikTok Influencer Anna Grace Phelan Passes Away After Brutal Battle with Brain Cancer
Anna Grace Phelan, the young TikTok star who chronicled her four-year journey with stage 4 brain cancer, passed away on Friday, according to a statement posted on her TikTok account. She was 19 years old.
Her family announced the somber news, stating, "It is with great sadness to announce that our beautiful daughter, Anna Grace Phelan, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Phelan, from Jefferson, Georgia, used her social media platform to share updates on her battle, gaining thousands of followers and millions of views on her videos. In a poignant post, her family stated, "So many of you have followed her journey through a difficult battle with cancer and bore witness to her powerful testimony of faith."
Phelan graduated from high school in May 2024, but her life took a drastic turn just days before starting her first year of college. She was diagnosed with an inoperable stage 4 malignant brain tumor. A GoFundMe page set up for her shared this heartbreaking reality.
Phelan first turned to TikTok in August 2024 to share a medical update, detailing a series of symptoms, including facial numbness and leg weakness. An MRI revealed a lesion on her brain, which was later biopsied to confirm the presence of cancer.
On September 5, 2024, she received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. She bravely shared the news with her followers, conveying the gravity of her situation while maintaining a steadfast faith. "This is definitely the hardest news I've ever received by all means," she said in a video. "This is not easy. I'm just going to trust in the Lord and try to keep pushing forward."
In the following months, Phelan faced numerous challenges, including radiation treatment, steroid therapy, and an increasing deterioration of her health. Despite these hardships, she continued to update her followers about her progress.
On May 14, 2025, in one of her final videos, Phelan revealed that her tumor had grown and was now situated in an area that could not be surgically removed. Facing a grim prognosis and with limited treatment options, she expressed determination not to give up. "It would take a miracle to fix me here on earth, but I'm not giving up yet," she said.
Phelan worked as a receptionist at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology, and she is survived by her parents, William "Buddy" and Nadine Phelan, her brother, Harper David Phelan, and other family members. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at Galilee Christian Church, where Anna Phelan was a devoted member.
Her family expressed gratitude for the countless prayers offered during her battle and asked for continued prayers during this difficult time. "Thank you for the countless thousands of prayers for healing and peace," they said.
Phelan's brave and open approach to her battle with brain cancer captivated her followers, who offered unwavering support and prayers throughout her journey. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those battling terminal illnesses and the human spirit's relentless pursuit of hope.
- Anna Grace Phelan, a TikTok influencer, used her platform to share updates on her battle with brain cancer, a particular medical-condition, which was diagnosed as stage 4 glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of neurological-disorders.
- Despite her health deteriorating due to symptoms like facial numbness and leg weakness, Phelan continued to raise awareness about health-and-wellness issues, including her own, on social-media platforms like TikTok.
- Phelan's battle with brain cancer extends beyond her personal struggle, as it brings light to mental-health issues that families and friends of individuals with terminal illnesses often face.
- The entertainment industry took notice of Phelan's story, with her powerful testimony of faith touching the hearts of many, demonstrating the potential for platforms like TikTok to inspire and uplift during challenging times.