About Gracie’s Army Foundation
The Gracie’s Army Foundation journey began in 2020 when Dina and Craig Ferluge learned of their daughter Gracie’s diagnosis of Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. The Army that surrounded our family in the throes of this fight is who remain the Foundation of this mission. It is because of the outpouring love, support, and compassion that we are able today to pay that forward.
Our Mission
Our mission is crystal clear, we will seek families who are in need of emotional and financial support. We will share their stories, provide resources, build awareness, and shine a light on a disease that affects countless children every single day. Gracie’s Army Foundation is a grassroots non-profit organization and is the front line to Hope and Faith for those in need.
Gracie Ferluge, 10
The Gracie’s Army Foundation journey began in 2020 when Dina and Craig Ferluge learned of their daughter Gracie’s diagnosis of Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. The years that followed included extended surgeries alongside advanced cancer treatments. She enrolled in a neuroblastoma vaccine trial following her treatment and has been in remission for nearly five years! Sharing her story hopefully will bring hope and inspire many others to get involved and spread pediatric cancer awareness.
Her Story…
Two months after Gracie’s 5th birthday, she was diagnosed with Stage 4, High Risk Neuroblastoma. It was August of 2020. She had been ill for several months and receiving this diagnosis for our daughter was devastating. Having no knowledge of this rare childhood cancer, we set out to find out as much as we could and we were determined to find a cure. Gracie was diagnosed at Hackensack University Medical Center, and we quickly sought a 2nd opinion at St Jude’s Medical Center, and a 3rd opinion at MSK Kids.
All three programs were adamant that we had to start treatment as quickly as possible. Her cancer had spread all over her body and we had to act fast. After meeting with Dr. Ted Gerstle and Dr. Stephen Roberts at MSK Kids, we felt hopeful we had found the right place for her treatment. They immediately started chemo and mapped out a clinical pathway for her cure. The induction phase of her treatment included 6 rounds of high dose chemo alongside 3 extensive surgeries to remove the tumors that had spread throughout her body. Following induction, she had another 5 rounds of chemo combined with immunotherapy, and 14 proton beam radiation treatments. Watching our daughter endure such pain and suffering over those 14 months of treatment was awful, and we were so grateful to finally receive clear scans!!
We are happy to report that Gracie is now participating in one of the most successful trials to date for high risk children, the Bivalent Vaccine Plus Beta-Glucan for High-Risk Neuroblastoma. This trial has demonstrated outstanding initial results in preventing relapse of high-risk patients. She finished up her second year this November and will continue this trial along with her last booster shot in 2024. Every day that we get to have her healthy again is why we will forever be connected to cancer families. We know whole-heartedly what this battle requires and we are dedicating our spare time to helping those in need of support.
Gracie enjoys dancing, swimming, and playing with her sisters, and dog Duncan. Nothing can ever take away the pain you experience when you are doing whatever you can to get your child back to living a “normal” life. We want to help the families that are fighting the same battle, because sometimes hope is all you have left. We are happy to help raise funds that directly benefit kids like Gracie, and have a major impact in getting high-risk neuroblastoma patients into long term remission.
Gracie has completed all treatment including her Neuroblastoma trial and as of November of 2025 has been in remission for 4 years.
How to get Involved
Volunteer
Our volunteers are part of our story. Together we celebrate wins, support families, and create moments that matter.
Corporate Sponsors
By becoming a corporate sponsor, your organization joins a powerful network of local leaders, businesses, and change makers dedicated to lifting others up when they need it most.
Event Sponsors
Your support directly fuels our ability to provide financial assistance, resources, and hope to families navigating medical and personal hardships.
Upcoming Events
Join Us for our next event!
Pickleball for a Purpose
Join us for a Pickleball Fundraiser to support our Warrior Families!
WHEN: May 15th, 2026
from 9am-12pm
WHERE: Lake Valhalla Club
13 Vista Road
Montville NJ
GRACIE’S ARMY 5K
Join us for our 3rd Annual Gracie’s Army Go Gold 5K and Fun Run!
Register for the race here!
https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Montville/GRACIESARMYFOUNDATIONGOESGOLD5K
WHEN: September 20, 2026
From 8am-11am
WHERE: Montville Township High School (Track)
Photos & Memories
