An 81-year-old American grandmother has harnessed the power of YouTube and the popular game Minecraft to raise a life-changing sum for her grandson's medical bills, showcasing the unexpected and profound impact of the gaming community.
From Grandkids to Gaming: An Unlikely Journey
Sue Jacquot, an 81-year-old from Arizona, was introduced to the block-building world of Minecraft by her grandsons, Jack and Austin, in the summer of 2025. While initially unfamiliar with the game, her desire to connect with her family led her to give it a try. Her grandson Austin admitted he was 'mind-blown' by how quickly she took to the game's mechanics.
Motivated by a deeply personal cause, Jacquot launched her YouTube channel, GrammaCrackers, in October 2025. Her goal was clear: to generate revenue and donations to help cover the medical expenses for her 17-year-old grandson, Jack, who had been diagnosed with a type of sarcoma cancer in 2024.
A Viral Success Story
Jacquot's first upload, a 15-minute video titled 'The Best Start Ever in Minecraft,' included a link to a GoFundMe page and a pledge that all proceeds would go to Jack's treatment. The response was staggering. While YouTube requires 1,000 subscribers to monetise a channel, GrammaCrackers amassed over 100,000 subscribers in just one month.
Her inaugural video has since garnered over half a million views, with subsequent uploads regularly attracting tens or hundreds of thousands of viewers. At the time of reporting, her channel boasted more than 221,000 subscribers. The associated GoFundMe campaign raised over $43,500 (approximately £32,450) from a wave of generous donations, ranging from a single dollar to an astonishing $5,000.
A Community's Generosity Brings Hope
The financial and emotional support from the online community left the family overwhelmed. 'It was surreal,' said Austin, reflecting on the influx of donations. Jacquot herself described the experience as 'the most incredible thing,' visibly moved by the global generosity.
The campaign's success is matched by its best possible outcome: Jack is now cancer-free and 'feeling great.' He endured a gruelling treatment schedule, including around 200 chemotherapy sessions over a year, which involved many difficult overnight hospital stays.
This story highlights a growing trend of older adults not only playing video games but creating content and building communities online. It follows other viral moments, like a 92-year-old grandmother winning a Tekken 8 tournament, and the fame of 'Skyrim Grandma,' Shirley Currey. Sue Jacquot's journey from curious grandmother to fundraising content creator proves that compassion and modern technology can unite to create powerful, real-world change.
