Frances Grace Hirs, a very brave little girl from Baldwin County is an expert on cancer, chemo, and leukemia.  She was referred to Children's Hospital by her local pediatrician in August of 2003.  There, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), which is a serious type of blood cancer.  She endured chemo and all of its side effects.  She suffered a fractured back in five places and had to have a feeding tube.  She lost all of her hair.  Her parents, Allen and Debbie Hirs watched helplessly.  But with the help of God and the staff at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, 9 year old Frances Grace is now celebrating her 5th year in remission!  She is a healthy 3rd grader who likes ballet, violin, and Hannah Montana!  Her parents started a golf tournament in her honor to raise money for other children suffering with this disease.  "Tee Off Fore A Cure" has raised over $160,000 total in the past 4 years it has been held! 

UPDATE - March 8, 2010

 On April 28, 2009, Allen and Debbie Hirs of Fairhope received devastating news.  Their only child, Frances Grace, had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Again.  Almost six years earlier, the Hirs had learned of the first instance of their daughter 's disease. At that time, they had no idea where to turn - and only 20 minutes to make a huge decision. But because of a family member 's previous experience and their own local pediatrician's guidance, they chose Children's Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham.

Today, they are choosing Children's Hospital. Again. Only this time, they know so much more - including the fact that the chemotherapy their daughter will need for the next two years is three times more toxic than what she had received as a toddler. The good news is that Frances Grace is in remission now and she, her parents and her doctors are continuing on with their efforts to restore her to full health. They also continue to fight to find a cure for pediatric cancer - so that no child will ever have to go through what Frances Grace has endured. No child. Ever again.