From stage 4 cancer to soccer star: Ruby’s story of hope

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Ruby Thackery with her mother, Ali. (Ali Thackery)

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 NICU. 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,’” Ali 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,'” Ali said.

Ruby will be live at the KSL Give-A-Thon

Ruby Thackery plays the violin. (Ali Thackery)

Ruby and her family will be joining the live broadcast of the KSL Give-A-Thon on June 4th 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 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 4th at 11:00 am to 1 pm; 4:30-5:00 & 6:00 to 7:00pm. 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.