Sue Jacquot wasn’t exactly what you’d call a gamer. At 81 years old, the Phoenix, Arizona resident had never really shown interest in livestreaming or YouTube channels.
But when her 17-year-old grandson Jack Self was diagnosed with cancer, she knew she had to do something big, something that could reach thousands of people and make a real difference.
So she did what any determined grandma would do: she fired up Minecraft and started streaming.
When gaming becomes a mission
In 2024, Sue Jacquot launched Gramma Crackers, her YouTube channel dedicated to playing Minecraft.
But this wasn’t just about building virtual worlds or surviving blocky nights, it was a lifeline for her grandson. Sue linked a GoFundMe campaign directly to her channel, asking viewers for donations to help cover Jack’s cancer treatment.
In an interview with Local12, she kept it real about her motivations: “I never had much curiosity about it, but when you have grandchildren who want to interact with you, you do it“.
And people showed up. Her first video alone racked up over 500,000 views in a short time, proving that authenticity and heart resonate way more than flashy production values.
The gaming community, often stereotyped as isolated or disconnected, rallied behind Sue’s cause in a massive way.
Donations poured in, ranging from $1 to $5,000, with supporters from all over the world contributing to the fight.
Gramma Crackers goes viral
The channel exploded. To date, Gramma Crackers has amassed 154,000 subscribers, transforming Sue from a gaming newbie into a beloved figure in the Minecraft community.
The campaign raised $35,000, funds that went directly toward Jack Self’s medical treatment.
Beyond the numbers, Sue’s story became a testament to how gaming transcends entertainment, it builds communities, connects generations, and creates real-world impact when it matters most.
Sue’s journey also highlights a growing trend of older gamers finding their place in the industry. Grandparents streaming games aren’t just cute anomalies anymore; they’re legitimate content creators proving that gaming has no age limit.
But Sue’s mission went beyond personal enjoyment, she weaponized her platform for good, turning every Minecraft stream into a rallying cry for help.
Jack Self beats cancer
The best part? It worked. Recently, Jack Self announced he is cancer-free.
The 17-year-old can now move forward with his life, free from the disease that threatened everything. Sue’s determination, combined with the overwhelming support from the gaming community and her viewers, made a tangible difference.
What started as an 81-year-old woman stepping out of her comfort zone ended with her grandson getting a second chance at life.
This isn’t just a heartwarming story, it’s proof that gaming can be a force for genuine change when wielded with purpose and love.
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