Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Ruby Thackeray survived stage 4 melanoma with personalized treatment at Primary Children's Hospital.
- Her tumors shrank by 90% due to a new drug tailored to her genetics.
- Ruby, now a vibrant athlete, will share her journey at the KSL Give-A-Thon.
SALT LAKE CITY — When Ruby Thackeray was just a toddler, her parents received devastating news: she had stage 4 melanoma. The odds of survival were in the single digits. But thanks to groundbreaking, personalized treatment at Primary Children's Hospital, Ruby is not only surviving — she's thriving.
"Ruby is a ray of sunshine," her mom, Ali Thackeray, shared. "When I really think about it, it makes me want to cry, because she's just a miracle."
Ruby was born with a tumor on her neck and spent her first month in the neonatal intensive care unit. After a brief period of hope, doctors discovered her lungs were full of tumors. The diagnosis: stage 4 melanoma.
"I remember praying to God, 'Please let my family be together for Christmas,'" Thackeray recalled.
Ruby underwent multiple treatments that slowed the growth. Then, a breakthrough: a new drug, tailored to her genetic profile, shrank her tumors by 90%.
"I just thought, 'I wish I could hug all of these scientists and researchers and doctors that make this all happen,'" Thackeray said.
Ruby will be live at the KSL Give-A-Thon
Ruby and her family will be joining the live broadcast of the KSL Give-A-Thon on Wednesday, June 4, to share more about their journey and the care they received at Primary Children's Hospital.
Now a vibrant young athlete, Ruby plays soccer and basketball and dreams of becoming a child life specialist.
"When she plays goalie, she has this presence about her," Ali Thackeray said. "Just watching her stand there, being present on the field — it gets me every time."
Help kids like Ruby
Ruby's story is a powerful reminder of what's possible when science, compassion, and community come together. Your support makes that possible.
The KSL Give-A-Thon is June 4 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can donate now at KSLKIDS.com.
Every dollar helps fund life-saving treatments, research, and support services for children and families across our community.
