Anna Grace Phelan, a 19-year-old social media influencer from Jefferson, Georgia, died May 23 after a public and deeply personal battle with brain cancer that drew national attention and inspired thousands online.
What We Know: Phelan became widely known on TikTok, where she documented her glioblastoma diagnosis and treatment for nearly 150,000 followers. Her videos showed the raw reality of cancer — from hospital visits to moments of joy and faith — all while she remained grounded in her Georgia hometown.
She graduated from Jefferson High School in 2024 and worked as a receptionist at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology. She also attended Galilee Christian Church, where her funeral will be held May 29.
Symptoms began with facial numbness, vision problems, and slurred speech. A scan revealed a brain lesion. A biopsy confirmed it: Grade 4 glioblastoma — the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
Even in her final weeks, she shared updates. In her last post on May 14, she said the tumor had spread into her brain stem, affecting her breathing and ability to walk. Still, she told her followers she wasn’t giving up, though she knew it would take a miracle.
By The Numbers:
- 19 years old
- Diagnosed less than a year ago
- Nearly 150,000 TikTok followers
- Funeral: 2 p.m., May 29 at Galilee Christian Church in Jefferson
In Context: Glioblastoma is a rare and fast-moving cancer. Survival typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. U.S. Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy died from the same diagnosis.
What’s Next: Her family shared the news of her death online and said they plan to honor her legacy during the funeral service. They’ve asked for continued prayers.
Take Action: You can support Anna Grace’s memory by donating to brain cancer research or checking in on someone who may feel invisible in their struggle.
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Before You Dismiss This Article…
We live in a time when information feels overwhelming, but here’s what hasn’t changed: facts exist whether they comfort us or not.
When A&W launched their third-pound burger to compete with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder in the 1980s, it failed spectacularly. Not because it tasted worse, but because customers thought 1/3 was smaller than 1/4. If basic math can trip us up, imagine how easily we can misread complex news.
The press isn’t against you when it reports something you don’t want to hear. Reporters are thermometers, not the fever itself. They’re telling you what verified sources are saying, not taking sides. Good reporting should challenge you — that’s literally the job.
Next time a story makes you angry, pause. Ask yourself: What evidence backs this up? Am I reacting with my brain or my gut? What would actually change my mind? And most importantly, am I assuming bias just because the story doesn’t match what I hoped to hear.
Smart readers choose verified information over their own comfort zone.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
