One of our inspiring Chicago Marathon team members from Texas has a 7-year-old boy named Grayson who began experiencing pain in his legs two years ago. The x-rays did not reveal any problems and Grayson was sent on his way, only to experience worsening pain that spread to his shoulder and neck. Within days this young boy was diagnosed with leukemia, had surgery for a portacath, had spinal taps and bone marrow aspirations, and began receiving chemo. This young boy was in a great deal of pain and sickness from the treatments that were helping to save his life.

Grayson is one tough dude and is fighting valiantly, but his cancer treatments left him often scared to sleep alone. His family recently moved to a new home and Grayson asked for a bunk bed with a desk underneath to make him feel like a big boy and where he can build LEGOs and Halo characters. He was craving those things that allow increasing independence and self-confidence while having fun.