Women's Health October 4, 2026 0 Comments

How This 81-Year-Old Grandma’s Minecraft Mission Is Turning Cancer Battles Into Unbreakable Bonds

Ever wondered if video games could be more than just a way to pass the time or irritate the family with missed chores? Well, when 81-year-old Sue Jacquot stumbled upon Minecraft, she surely didn’t expect it to become a lifeline—a beacon of hope for her grandson battling cancer. Picture this: a spirited grandma, new to the digital playground, joining forces with her grandsons amid some seriously tough times. Jack, just 14 when diagnosed with sarcoma, couldn’t have visitors after chemo, leaving the family searching for a way to bridge that gap. Enter Minecraft—a pixelated world bringing them together and sparking an extraordinary journey that turned gaming antics into a powerful fundraising movement. If you thought gaming was all fun and no impact, Sue’s story might just make you rethink the rules of connection and support. Ready to dive deeper into this heartwarming tale? LEARN MORE

When 81-year-old Sue Jacquot discovered Minecraft, she never dreamed the game she loved could help her grandson battle cancer! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.

“Do you want to join in the Minecraft world we’ve started, so the family can play together?” Sue Jacquot’s 21-year-old grandson Austin Self asked.

Sue didn’t know much about video games, but it seemed like a great way to stay close under their trying circumstances.

Her other grandson, Jack Self, was diagnosed in 2024 with sarcoma at age 14, and after chemo, he was immunocompromised and unable to have visitors.

“Why not!” Sue responded, excited to connect.

Launching GrammaCrackers: Turning Video Game Streams into Cancer Relief

As the 81-year-old grandmother from Queen Creek, Arizona, learned Minecraft, Jack and Austin found humor in her gaming antics.

“You need to post this online,” they both chimed in.

Wondering if it could help with Jack’s medical expenses, Sue launched her YouTube channel, GrammaCrackers, in November 2026, named in honor of her love for graham crackers. She began livestreaming her gaming journey and included a GoFundMe link called Support Jack’s Fight Against Sarcoma Cancer.

GrammaCrackers raised enough to support her grandson, Jack, and provide for other families too!Sue Jacquot

When donations poured in totaling $20,000, Sue realized Minecraft wasn’t just a hobby. It was now a global network of love and support.

Fans worldwide even sent her messages saying, “We love you so much, Grandma! Thank you for always cheering us up!” and, “I hope your grandson beats cancer. Tell him we’re rooting for him!”

Raising $150,000 and Finding Hope Beyond a Cancer Diagnosis

Today, Jack is in remission and cancer-free, with GrammaCrackers’ YouTube account now boasting 874,000 subscribers.

They have raised $150,000 to date and have also partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to help support other children and families battling cancer.

“I’m just so proud of my grandma,” Austin beams. “During the darkest moments for our family, she was a beacon of hope not only for me, but for millions of people online who watch her videos.”

Sue glows with gratitude.

“I want to thank everyone who has been so generous and who has left such nice comments,” she says. “I also want to encourage grandparents and parents to take an interest in games. Kids from all over the world have commented saying they wish they had family who played the games they love. It’s an amazing way to connect. If you have a parent or grandparent, invite them to play a game with you. They might just say yes!”