Heartbreaking Goodbye Between 10-Year-Old and Grandfather: ‘I’ll See You in Heaven’

Lizzy Wampler grew up in Missouri surrounded by the love of her older siblings. She enjoyed gymnastics, ballet, and dreamed of becoming an ice-skating princess. But at just 9 years old, her life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Joy Wampler passed away in March 2018 at the age of 10. Though her battle with osteosarcoma, a rare pediatric bone cancer, was brief, she is remembered for her laughter, courage, and kindness.

Her mother, Jennifer Wampler, recalls the day Lizzy first said goodbye to her grandfather via FaceTime. He had recently undergone open-heart surgery and couldn’t travel, but her family ensured she could connect with loved ones in her final days.

Lizzy’s symptoms began as what seemed like growing pains, but an X-ray, MRI, and biopsy revealed the devastating diagnosis. Initially, doctors recommended immediate amputation, but the family sought treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where surgeons replaced part of her femur with a titanium rod.

For eight months, Lizzy endured chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. Though her survival rate was initially hopeful, scans later showed the cancer had spread to her pelvis. Doctors then warned her chances had fallen to just 20%.

Despite relentless pain and countless procedures, Lizzy remained joyful. She longed to return to school, play with her siblings, and live like any child. But eventually, her care team focused on easing her pain as options ran out.

Her family remembers her strength, intuition, and unwavering joy. Even in the hardest moments, Lizzy chose to love—and that is the legacy she left behind.