Grayson’s Legacy
Grayson was full of life and loved being around people. His life was tragically cut short on 3/21/21, just two weeks after he turned 16. He was diagnosed with an aggressive pediatric brain tumor the month after he turned 14. He fought courageously during his 23-month cancer journey, maintaining a positive attitude despite the many awful side effects from the treatments he endured.
Before cancer, Grayson enjoyed a wide range of activities. He played on his middle school golf team all three years and was a percussionist in the school band. He excelled in math and science, was on the chess team, and participated in the Science Olympiad and Math Competition teams during elementary school. In second grade, he played the role of Elvis in a school musical, where he did a fantastic job lip-syncing and dancing like Elvis. He was a very confident kid.
I could write pages and pages about all that Grayson endured, including several terrifying grand mal seizures that required 911 calls, ambulance trips, and hospital admissions. One seizure cluster in October 2019 left him unconscious and unresponsive, requiring ventilation, and we weren’t sure if he would make it. I could also write about how God carried us through this difficult journey, providing for us in countless ways. I quit my job to care for Grayson and transport him to numerous specialist and treatment appointments in three different states, which cut our family’s income by more than half, but God provided for us throughout.
Grayson was an incredible kid. His teachers loved his intellect and outgoing personality. He was always happy, smiling, and laughing. His friends appreciated his authenticity—one described him as “unapologetically himself.” Grayson was confident and not a crowd-follower. The radiation treatments left permanent bald patches on his head, and he often chose not to wear a hat, not caring what others thought. He loved socializing, debating, and engaging with others. He was so passionate about debating that he would continue an argument even if he knew he was wrong. His third-grade teacher once said that Grayson nearly convinced her that 8 x 7 was 64!
Grayson loved music. He was thrilled to participate in his high school marching band for most of his freshman year before a hospitalization put him on homebound school. Band was his favorite class and group of people. He had a deep appreciation for all styles of music and a very eclectic playlist. His love for classical music began in elementary school, and his alarm clock was always set to a local classical music station. He could name the composer and piece for almost everything he heard on the radio. Before cancer, Grayson also took drum lessons, and his drum teacher was amazed at his natural talent and potential.
Grayson loved making people laugh with jokes, puns, and witty remarks. There was never a dull moment around him. He was a creative thinker, often approaching things from an unconventional perspective. He also loved his family deeply, especially his younger brother, Christian. The two were very close, often sitting together on the couch, practically on top of each other, even when they had plenty of space. They hugged multiple times a day, even as teenagers, and got along remarkably well.
Grayson was not afraid to die. He knew where he was going. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior when he was very young and was confident that he would go to Heaven. Although my heart is shattered over losing my son, I find joy in knowing that I will see him again one day in Heaven. I remind myself constantly that life on Earth is short, but eternal life in Heaven is forever.
Grayson was a warrior throughout his cancer battle. He rarely complained, even as his condition worsened. In the last few months of his life, despite his growing deficits, he became even more concerned about everyone else. When asked how he was doing, he would respond, “I’m doing good! How are you?” He fought bravely until the very end.
Grayson’s Mom, Gloria
Our Donation Story
When Grayson passed away from his cancer, we asked the hospital if we could donate his brain tissue to research to help find a cure for pediatric brain tumors. We knew he would want to do that because he wanted to be an organ and tissue donor. He told me more than once during his illness that he believed God allowed him to get cancer so that someone else wouldn’t have to.