Grey was a 10-year-old boy, the middle child of four and a mediator among his siblings. He always brought a light heart and a voice of reason. He was the first to try new things or run ahead of the group. He was very competitive, but always a good sport. He cared for his brother and sisters, and painted the world with an endearing sense of humor. He adoreed all-you-can-eat sushi at restaurants, longboarding with his mom and playing video games with his dad.

In early May 2017, Grey went to the New Ulm Medical Center after suffering sporadic headaches and vomiting throughout April. A CT scan discovered that he had a five centimeter brain tumor in his frontal lobe. His family had just moved to New Ulm, Minnesota and this was their first visit to this clinic, so they decided to reach out to his regular doctor from Metro Pediatrics in Shakopee for advice. He called them early the next day to say he already spoke with Dr. Nagib and the neurosurgery associates team at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis, and they were ready to help Grey. 

That afternoon, Grey had an MRI. Afterwards, his parents sat with Dr. Nagib and some of his team to discuss the images. They decided to operate on the tumor immediately. Grey had a successful craniotomy and a lightning fast recovery. After the pathology came back, it was determined that Grey had grade 4 glioblastoma.

He successfully completed the first of his six weeks of radiation. The treatment process started earlier than expected, after the radiation oncologist saw in Grey’s MRI that tumor cells were growing rapidly. His treatment plan was still in development when Grey, sadly, passed away.

Grey’s family hoped that Grey wouldn't leave any stones unturned, and wanted him to feel whatever success, happiness, joy and love mean to him. Grey was his mom’s hero because he radiated character and always tried to identify a silver lining. His initiative and resilience were admirable. His sense of humor and optimism made each day brighter for those around him.

His family appreciates ALSF because they represent a genuine response to a cause with pure empathy and initiative and they wholly appreciate those taking charge. His mom, Karyn, wants other families facing childhood cancer to know they should stay present, breathe and try not to get too far ahead of yourself.

Information provided by Karyn Braddock, Grey’s mother
Updated November 2021