Graysen is 6-years-old and recently diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and will receive 5 weeks of radiation come February 2011. Graysen's energy and perseverance are helping her get through this difficult time in her young life. Quite often, as her mother, I look to Graysen for strength and courage because she is not letting cancer get her down or stop her from enjoying the activities she loves the most. Graysen's personality shines and people are attracted to her intellect, beauty and innocent nature. Graysen continues to try to attend school and dance class when she is feeling up to par. Graysen plays with her little brother, Ian, who still sees her as just his sister and not a sick individual. "Life Goes On, Cancer Doesn't Stop Us" is the motto around the house and Graysen is living up to that motto. Graysen definitely has good days and bad days. She enjoys the good days to their full potential. On the bad days, Graysen will never complain if she is in pain, tired or feeling weak. She works through the emotions and feelings her body is going through like a brave little girl.
 
Written by Patrice Riddle McDow, Graysen’s Mother
12/10

July 2014 update: Graysen recently had an MRI and is now cancer free!