TikTok Star Dies at 19 After Cancer Battle
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Social media star Anna Grace Phelan, from Georgia, has died aged 19 after a brief battle with brain cancer.
The Context
Phelan, from Jefferson, documented her journey with stage 4 glioblastoma on her TikTok account, which has a following of nearly 145,000. According to her Instagram page, she was diagnosed with the disease in 2024, shortly before she was due to begin college, after experiencing symptoms like numbness in her face and legs, slurred speech, and vision issues. She died on May 23.
The American Brain Tumor Association says around 12,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with glioblastoma every year.
What To Know
In a statement posted on Phelan's TikTok, her family announced her death.
"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," the statement from her mother Nadine Phelan reads. "So many of you have followed her journey through a difficult battle with cancer and bore witness to her powerful testimony of faith."
According to her obituary, Phelan was born on October 12, 2005, in Orlando, Florida. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 2024 and worked as a receptionist at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology. Phelan was a member of the Galilee Christian Church, where "she enjoyed Church Camp, Northeast Georgia Camp and other activities within the youth group and at Church."
She is survived by her parents, her brother Harper David Phelan, and her extended family.
Anna Grace Phelan, who died aged 19 on May 23.
Anna Grace Phelan, who died aged 19 on May 23.
GoFundMe/Anna Grace Phelan
What People Are Saying
Her mother Nadine Phelan said in the statement: "Thank you for the countless thousands of prayers for healing and peace. May we all rejoice with the assurance that she is in Heaven now, and she has been healed. Let us also remember that the only path to the promised kingdom of Heaven is through salvation in Jesus Christ."
Phelan's followers have paid tribute to her online.
TikTok user Ally D wrote: "I can't adequately express how sorry that I am for your loss. Your sweet girl touched this stranger's heart tremendously."
Karlyn Patterson wrote: "I didn't know Anna Grace personally, but her life and faith deeply touched mine. I only started following her recently, but I found myself completely captivated by her unwavering joy, strength, and love for Jesus—even in the hardest moments. Watching her walk through suffering with such grace and peace truly changed me."
What Happens Next
Phelan's funeral will be held at the Galilee Christian Church in Georgia on May 29.
Her family have asked that donations be made to The Pediatric Brian Tumor Foundation, and a GoFundMe page set up following her diagnosis has already raised more than $66,000.
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