10-Year-Old with Terminal Cancer Has Emotional Goodbye with Grandfather: ‘I’ll See You in Heaven’

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Joy Wampler passed away in March 2018 at just 10 years old, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and love that deeply impacted all who knew her.

Only a year earlier, Lizzy had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of pediatric bone cancer. Despite the devastating diagnosis, she faced every moment with remarkable grace and bravery.

In a recently shared video by her mother, Jennifer Wampler, Lizzy is shown saying goodbye to her grandfather over FaceTime—a necessary arrangement after he underwent open-heart surgery and was unable to travel. It’s a heartbreaking but powerful reminder of the lengths her family went to so loved ones could say their farewells.

“When Lizzy was first diagnosed…she didn’t fully understand what ‘cancer’ meant – she didn’t have a reference point for it,” Jennifer, 52, told PEOPLE, recalling the early days of their journey. “She heard the word, but her focus was more on the pain in her leg and the fact that she just wanted to feel better.”

As a fourth grader, Lizzy initially experienced what seemed like routine growing pains. But as her limp worsened, her pediatrician ordered an X-ray, then an MRI and a biopsy. The diagnosis changed everything: Lizzy had cancer.

“Doctors first recommended amputating her leg immediately, but we opted to transfer her to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Jennifer said. “They removed five inches of her right femur and replaced it with a titanium rod.”

@lizzyswalkoffaith

Now both of these sweet souls are in Heaven. This was from 2018, Lizzy fought osteosarcoma for 15months. Her journey helped so many with their struggle with death and Faith. I appreciate all of your kinds words. Please remember Each day is a gift. Thank you for letting me continue to help her light shine. #fyp #grief #pediatriccancer

♬ original sound – Jennifer Wampler – Jennifer Wampler

At that point, the cancer was localized, with a 70% survival rate. Lizzy endured eight grueling months of surgeries, high-dose chemotherapy, and a major limb-sparing procedure.

“It drained her physically, but she never lost her spirit,” Jennifer said. “She never stopped smiling, never stopped loving.”

Then, just before what was meant to be her “No More Chemo” celebration, the family got devastating news. Scans revealed the cancer had returned—this time in her pelvis—and had also potentially spread back to her leg. Her prognosis dropped to a 20% survival rate.

“The cancer was relentless,” Jennifer said. “She had to relearn to walk after nearly every surgery. The pain was often excruciating. And yet, she still chose love. She still chose joy.”

For 15 months, Lizzy fought with a courage well beyond her years. Her dreams were simple—go back to school, play with her siblings, just be a kid again. But her body, pushed to its limits, couldn’t continue the fight.

Eventually, her care team shared the painful truth: there were no more treatment options. Lizzy was placed on powerful medications like fentanyl and morphine to ease her constant pain.

“In the beginning, we avoided telling her she might die. We were clinging to hope,” Jennifer said. “But over time—and especially after the recurrence—it became harder to shield her from reality. She was so intuitive. She understood, even without us saying it.”

Knowing time was short, the Wamplers made every effort to ensure Lizzy could say her goodbyes. With some family members too far away to visit, Lizzy’s grandfather, Dee, had to say goodbye over video.

“He had just undergone heart surgery and couldn’t travel,” Jennifer recalled. “That video call was incredibly emotional—heartbreaking, but filled with so much love.”

During the call, Lizzy told Dee she would miss him. Fighting tears, he reassured her, saying, “I’ll see you again. I will see you in Heaven.” He passed away in 2021.

As her final days neared, Lizzy stopped eating and drinking. Her family remained by her side—holding her hand, reading to her, and capturing every moment they could.

“In those last days, I was desperate to soak in every part of her,” Jennifer said. “Her laugh, her voice, her presence. I didn’t want to forget a single detail.”

Eventually, Jennifer and her husband told Lizzy it was okay to stop fighting.

Her response is something Jennifer says she’ll never forget: “Mommy, what you’re asking me to do is really hard. You’re asking me to go somewhere you’ve never been… and won’t be for a while. I’ll have to go without you.”

On March 15, 2018, at 3:30 a.m., Lizzy passed away peacefully.

“She gently removed the oxygen tube, gave me soft kisses on my arm, and laid her head down for the last time,” Jennifer recalled. “I was the first to ever hold her—and the last. I will carry that forever.”

Even in her final days, Lizzy’s thoughts were with others. When asked what she wanted, she said she wished to hold a baby. Her family made that wish come true, capturing the tender moment on video.

But Lizzy had another, deeper wish: to help other children with the same diagnosis. She chose to donate her body to St. Jude for research—a decision doctors confirmed was fully her own.

Though a full body donation wasn’t possible, her tumors were preserved. “Today, Lizzy’s tumor samples are being studied around the world,” Jennifer shared. “Even in death, she wanted to give. She wanted her story to save another child.”

Motivated by a friend’s suggestion, the Wamplers hosted a 5K in Lizzy’s honor. What started as a small event quickly grew—over 500 people participated in the first race, with hundreds more joining virtually. The event raised $30,000 in its first year.

Now in its seventh year, Lizzy’s Walk of Faith 5K Walk/Run has raised over $140,000 and drawn more than 1,500 participants.

The Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation funds pediatric cancer research and offers financial support to families walking a similar path.

“Helping others through your pain can be healing,” Jennifer said. “You don’t have to go public or do something big. Just letting your love shine through can bring comfort—to others and to yourself.”

To date, the foundation has donated more than $100,000 to St. Jude and continues to honor Lizzy’s legacy through efforts like their book, Lizzy’s Walk of Faith: Finding Strength Through Her Struggle.

“Lizzy left us still needing a cure,” Jennifer said. “But her life showed us how to love through suffering, how to live with purpose, and how to believe even when hope feels out of reach.”