The story of Grace and Zach Clifton stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds of marriage in the face of adversity.
Just over a year into their newlywed life, the couple, who met at UGA, faced a reality few young couples ever imagine: a brain tumor diagnosis for Grace. This life-altering news plunged the young couple into an intense battle against the aggressive disease, a battle they have fought with faith, courage, and an unwavering community by their side.
In March of 2024, Grace was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain tumor. What followed was an incredibly challenging 18-month period of intense treatment, starting with a grueling 30 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation at Emory in Atlanta.
This journey required a seismic shift in their lives, pushing them to lean on one another and their faith. The overwhelming medical expenses and the daily stress of treatment were softened by the outpouring of love and financial support from their community, particularly in Bulloch County, where Zach’s family has deep roots. The couple has since relocated from Atlanta back to the Statesboro area, a move inspired by the heartfelt support shown by the people of their hometown.
“We’ve got a great community that supports us,” Zach explains.
The Cliftons recently shared the joyful news that Grace is in remission, having wrapped up her maintenance chemotherapy in July. This milestone is a celebration of perseverance and answered prayers. As Grace reflects on their experience over the last two years, she is filled with thanks.
“I think it just has changed my perspective on life and just trying to wake up every day with a heart of gratitude that you never know what tomorrow will hold,” Grace shared. “I’m just very grateful to be here, and I’m grateful to be able to support Zach and his running.”
This November, as a way to honor his wife’s strength and to pay forward the support they have received, Zach will be running the 2025 New York City Marathon. The marathon, which will be his first, is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a dedicated effort to fundraise for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), an organization that provided valuable caregiver resources and information during their journey.
Zach, a lifelong runner who has already completed races in 17 states and plans to race in all 50, realized through this experience that life is too short to put off one’s dreams. His participation with the NBTS endurance team is a deeply personal mission to bring awareness and funding to the cause that became so central to their lives.
“I have always wanted to do a marathon, but I’ve always been putting it off saying ‘I’ll get to it eventually,” he says. “And then you go through something like this and you realize that you just have to make the most out of every day.”
Zach’s training for the 26.2-mile New York City Marathon—a race with over 50,000 participants—is intense, consuming five to seven hours of running a week in the weeks leading up to November 2. Yet, knowing that the physical demands contribute to an incredible cause gives him the drive to keep going.
The NBTS is the leading advocacy organization for brain tumor research in the United States, and the funds Zach raises will support their vital work. Their fundraising goal of $4,000 has already been surpassed, with over 45 donors contributing to their total, which is approaching $5,000.
In spite of just having emerged from the fight of her life, Grace is still led to offer encouragement to others facing similar trials.
“Lean on your community through trials and trust that God is working all things for your good and His glory even when it doesn’t feel like it,” she says.
This sentiment is central to how the couple navigated the darkest, most precarious parts of their journey.
For Zach, running this marathon is not just about checking off a personal goal; it’s about sharing their story to inspire others and giving back to an organization that was a lifesaver for them.
“The biggest thing I’ve taken from what we’ve been through and applied it to the training is you just have to get up every day and go after it,” Zach says.
It is a powerful exclamation point on a chapter of their lives marked by profound difficulty, celebrating their continued journey together in this new, healthier season. The Cliftons’ story is a reminder that through faith and community, one can find hope and purpose even in the midst of life’s most challenging storms.
To support Zach’s marathon run and contribute to the National Brain Tumor Society in Grace’s honor, please donate here: https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/6234745