Josie lived and loved with grace and joy. She taught us to do the same.  In March of 2014, at the young age of 3 1/2, Josie was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare and terminal pediatric brain cancer. Jo underwent 33 radiation treatments followed by chemotherapy and high dose steroids. After months of intense therapy the tumor shrank by 60% and she was feeling better. The adventures began! Some of these included Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Disney World and Ocean City, NJ. Josie loved the beach! She also went to Las Vegas to meet and cook with Giada De Laurentiis, her idol, through the Make A Wish Foundation. At home when Jo was not cooking or watching The Food Network she could be found sitting at her art table painting and crafting for hours. She also loved singing, dancing, and playing with her twin sister Samantha and younger brother Joshua.  

In May of 2015 Josie started having head and back pain and an MRI revealed that the tumor had grown and spread to her spinal cord. A shunt surgery was performed to relieve the pressure and pain in her head. She then entered an experimental study in Washington, DC where she was the first child in the world to receive an immunotherapy drug for DIPG. Unfortunately, she struggled with more and more difficult side effects as the days passed. Josie lost the ability to swallow, talk and walk. Hospice entered our lives and we all held each other tight. On August 8, 2015 as her family embraced her, Josie peacefully received her wings. Her light will forever shine upon us and give us strength!  

"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, and every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation” - Papyrus

Josie is our hummingbird! She spent her life spreading love, joy and kisses. We had many sightings of hummingbirds in the last weeks of Josie’s life and since her passing… all during very symbolic moments. We are comforted by knowing that this beautiful relentless creature is a sign of Jo’s presence and forever remind us of her love.  

"By donating to The Cure Starts Now, you will help fund the ingredients to create a "concoction" that cures DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma).   Together.. let's help find a cure!" - The Grove Family

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.