“Make memories, take pictures, do videos, and tell people you love them, because we never know how long we’re here for.” When their youngest son, Liam, passed from glioblastoma, Oscar and Tracy Gill were devastated. Things were already tough with their decision to get divorced, but they gave their marriage one last chance when Liam was diagnosed. The painful journey of watching their child die tied their family tighter together, and though Liam is no longer with them physically, they feel his impact in their lives every day. Tracy and Oscar join Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about their experience as caregivers and parents of an infant glioblastoma patient, and how they coped with the loss of their child.

Hear us talk about:

The first signs. When Liam first started feeling pain from the tumor in his brain, Tracy thought he was throwing a tantrum. He was behaving erratically but because of his speech issues, he wasn’t able to communicate that something was wrong. Oscar found him in bed, unresponsive, and immediately called for Tracy. They eventually took Liam to a children’s hospital, and it went downhill from there.

Getting the diagnosis. The nearest hospital was ill-equipped to treat Liam, so they had to transfer him via helicopter to another one. The doctors explained that there was a mass in Liam’s brain that was hemorrhaging and did their best to operate on him. Within a week they received the news: Liam had grade 4 glioblastoma. 

Liam’s deteriorating condition. He was admitted to the hospital and received chemotherapy, and even got to go back home for Tracy’s birthday, but he was soon taken back after suffering a seizure. Liam celebrated his third birthday at the hospital with his family and other patients, but two months later, the doctors were rushing his Make A Wish visit. His prospects had gone from a 50/50 chance of recovery to a 10% chance. Months later, he passed, leaving grieving parents and siblings.

Coping with their loss. Tracy and Oscar’s family and friends were by their side throughout Liam’s treatment and after his death. Still having to parent their other children was hard after losing Liam, and they were wracked with guilt, but they pressed on because they couldn’t stop being parents. Navigating all their grief was a challenge they tackled hand in hand.

Ways they found strength and comfort. The Gills are a praying family, and they have the utmost faith they’ll see Liam again in heaven. In addition to prayer, they practice checking in with each other often and communicating their feelings. 


What’s Next?
Oscar and Tracy memorialize and celebrate Liam’s life with their page Liam Bear Strong, where they share updates about their grief journey and raise awareness for childhood cancer. Tracy is specializing in child development in hopes to help children through grief.

As always, the information that is discussed in Glioblastoma AKA GBM is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease. What we and our guests share are personal stories of what has worked for the individuals in question, and should not be taken as medical advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any questions about your own situation, always consult with your medical provider and healthcare team.