September 30, 2010 in Uncategorized with 9 Comments

Gray was born December 4, 2007. He weighed 7lb 10oz and was 21 3/4 inches long. He was a healthy baby boy and his parents were proud to have a second son. Older brother, Seth, was proud and excited too!  During the first two years of his life, Gray and his family endured a variety of medical diagnosis and developmental suspicions. After ruling out everything from Cerebral Palsey to simple recurring infections the doctors finally conducted a variety of blood tests and when the results came in the findings were disturbing. Gray was anemic and suffering joint pain leaving the doctors wanting to know more. More tests, CAT scans and MRI’s were ordered and that’s when the doctors discovered the source of Gray’s constant health struggles. Just over a week ago doctors delivered the news that Grayson had a baseball sized tumor in his abdomen. Surgery was scheduled to perform a biopsy and remove bone marrow. Surgeons were unable to remove the tumor from Grayson’s abdomen due to it’s size and the fact that they still weren’t sure what they were dealing with. Gray was admitted to the hospital and the little world of Grayson changed forever. After an agonizing five day wait, the results of Gray’s biopsy came in and they were staggering, to say the least. Gray was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer. The cancer had spread to his bone marrow. Doctor’s announced a 3 in 10 chance of recovery. The Everaard family huddled together in prayer and in a search for strength. Doctor’s began to formulate a treatment plan while Gray and his family simply waited. The next step was a complete work up. Gray’s doctors needed to check the health of his heart, kidneys and really his entire overall health before proceeding with chemotherapy. Gray’s heart passed with flying colors but then more devastating news was delivered. Just this week, Gray’s family was informed that his cancer had spread to most of his bones and his chest. Again, emotions ran high. Understanding escaped us all. While doctor’s delivered the bad news of even more cancer they also presented their treatment plan. Gray was set to begin chemo. He will have therapy every day for five days and then every 21 days after that. The chaos of the past two weeks has felt like a whirlwind for all those who have heard Gray’s story but the whirlwind has been most intense for Gray’s parents, family and close friends. While we all plead with God in prayer and try to comprehend a situation that truly has no answers Grayson is simply being himself. Aside from all the other lessons we have learned from this tiny little boy he has also taught us, during this time, that life must go on! He still laughs, plays with toys and flashes that coy smile he is so well known for. Even in the midst of the worst news and the most extreme emotions there are still memories to be made and moments to be had with those we love. Gray is teaching all of us what life is truly about with his childlike faith and inability to understand the gravity of what is going on around him. We can all learn a great lesson by watching the bravery and strength baby Gray is exhibiting from the bed of his hospital room. We are now trusting that the doctor’s know how to treat Gray and are also believing that God is working a miracle. There is a long road ahead of Grayson and his family. Pray4Gray.com is a chance for you to stay informed on the day to day happenings of Grayson and also a place for you to see firsthand what your prayers are doing in the life of such a young boy. Please pass the word about Pray4Gray.com and don’t forget to visit our donation page where you can make a monetary donation to the Everaard family. While they do have insurance the cost of care for Grayson is overwhelming and every little bit helps.

“Sorrow came to visit us today. Was the longest day. Was the loneliest day. Sorrow came to steal our hope away. Only tears can tell of this holy hour. This mountain’s high, too high for us. Only you can pull me over it. Pull me, drag me, hold me, keep me, walk me while you pull me over it. Take me, heal me, make me, break me, love me while you pull me over it. Your ways are high, too high for us…”  -Delirious