Grayson Osborne

Grayson was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was 20 months old.  He has fought harder and endured more in the past seven years than most people have to in a lifetime and he has done so with a smile on his face.   Over this journey he has touched more lives than I ever would have thought possible and been a role model of perseverance, resilience, and optimism.  This past Spring he underwent his fifth corrective surgery – fourth major resection.  From all initial indications the surgery was successful.  However, after follow up, we learned that the doctors discovered tumor cells in areas of his brain that were previously thought to be healthy.  These areas cannot be treated surgically and, at this time, are not aggressive enough to respond to standard chemotherapy.  Over the past several years a research team has developed a newer chemotherapy that targets genetic mutations in the tumor cells.  It is far less invasive and more effective.  Unfortunately Gray’s newly discovered cells lack the mutation that this new medication targets.   This medication has the potential to cure many, many children but Grayson is not one of them.  We are not without hope – we can’t be with so much on the line.  There are tests that can be performed to see if the medication can be adjusted to treat Grayson.  If those tests come back positive, the lab will develop a chemotherapy tailored to treat Gray.  This is beyond a doubt our best option but insurance does not cover research and development of medication.  We are doing everything we can to find aid and grants to assist but ultimately the cost will fall on us.  We understand what we are asking of you.  This initial phase may be nothing more than an expensive rejection from the lab.  But we need to give our little warrior everything we can to keep him fighting and we are asking for you to help in whatever way you are able.  We have been blessed to have come through this very expensive ordeal so far without needing to turn to all of you.  But this is far bigger than we are able to handle on our own.  Between his current needs, therapy to assist recovery,  bills from his past surgeries and treatment, and these new tests, the costs are more than we can manage on our own.  Our prayer has been and will continue to be that God will heal our son and take this burden from him.  We ask that your prayer is the same.  Any gifts we receive that are not needed for Grayson’s care will be donated to help other families of children with chronic or life threatening illnesses.  Our initial goal is set at a level that we believe will cover his current needs and the research to determine if the chemotherapy can be modified for him.  We do not yet know the cost for treatment if the tests come back with a positive result.  We will cross that bridge once we receive an answer from the lab. 

We also understand that you will have many questions.  We also have many questions.  There are not answers for all of them but we will do our best to communicate what we know and what we are comfortable speculating on.  Please check back often as we plan to post updates, anecdotes, and pictures.  Please feel free to post your own as well.  Gray is an incredible kid - lets take a moment to celebrate that.

Thank you all for your support over the last seven years.  We have never felt alone in this.  Your prayers, encouragement, friendship, and assistance have allowed Grayson to come this far.   We love you all.