#RallyKid Grayson

At just two and a half years old, Grayson was diagnosed with autism. Just a few weeks after beginning ABA therapy to support his development, we noticed a sudden change—he became pale, tired, and lethargic. Taking Grayson to the ER was traumatic in itself, with so many unknowns and different possibilities being thrown at us before we finally got answers. The staff quickly realized he needed an emergency blood transfusion. He was transferred by ambulance to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, where on December 14, 2023, our world changed forever: Grayson was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Just four days later, Grayson began the fight of his life. He underwent surgery to have a central line placed, received a lumbar puncture, and started intensive chemotherapy. Over the next seven months, he spent more than 200 days in the hospital, enduring 21 blood and platelet transfusions, seven lumbar punctures, seven ER visits, countless sedations, and multiple surgeries. He missed holidays, family celebrations, and even his third birthday. Through it all, our family was often divided between the hospital and home, with more than 150 nights spent with only one parent by his side. One of the brightest parts of his hospital journey was the therapy he received along the way. Speech, physical, and occupational therapy helped him continue developing despite everything his little body was enduring. And something incredible happened—by the end of treatment, the little boy once considered nonverbal was speaking in full sentences. He found his voice while fighting for his life. Today, Grayson has completed chemotherapy and entered the post-treatment phase of his journey. He will continue lifelong follow-up through survivorship care, but most importantly, he is thriving. He recently started traditional kindergarten—a milestone that once felt impossible. Grayson has gone from a pale, barely responsive two-year-old being rushed to the hospital to a thriving survivor who dreams of becoming a doctor, a superhero, or a police officer, depending on the day. His story is one of resilience, courage, hope, and a little boy who refused to stop fighting.

By making a donation, you are directly supporting childhood cancer research through the Rally Foundation.

Your donation will contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop better treatments with fewer long-term side effects, and ultimately, find cures for young patients like Grayson. Stand with us in this critical cause and help bring hope to children and families battling cancer.