Being diagnosed with cancer is unfortunately an all too common occurrence, and when the news hits, the date is remembered. For the Reed family, the date engrained in their memories remains May 7, 2012. That was the day when 12-year-old Grant Reed, Bellville, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, more commonly known as a brain tumor near the back of the head. Grant nicknamed his malignant tumor ‘Michigan’ because he is a “natural Ohio State Buckeye fan.”
“We were shocked and fear stricken. It felt like we were punched in the gut. This is something you never want to hear,” reflected Denise Reed, Grant’s mother. “But,” she continued, “we tried to recover quickly so we could focus on all high points.”
Three days after being diagnosed, surgeons performed an emergency segmental resection of Michigan. The surgery lasted 16 hours. After the surgery, Grant developed the common post fossa syndrome, which is sometimes found in children after the removal of a ‘post fossa’ brain tumor. As a result of this syndrome, Grant lost all function of the left side of his body, leaving him mute and handicapped to a wheelchair.
Nine and a half weeks in the hospital ensued following his surgery of Michigan. During those weeks he underwent rehabilitation to offset and heal the symptoms of post fossa syndrome. He recovered “a significant amount of functions” and learned to talk again, albeit with some difficulty, but the battle against his life-threatening rival had just begun.
When asked if he ever wanted to give up, he gave an honest response, “Definitely. We all have those days. Was I gonna live? Was I gonna die? I didn’t know.”
However, this past Friday, Grant rang the bell at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, The bell signifies another person who successfully completed the intensive chemotherapy treatment. It was a happy day for the Reeds, and for the fight against cancer.
The family loves and appreciates the support they have received through this tumultuous time. Denise Reed described her church group in Bellville and friends and family as comforting. The Reeds were shocked and excited when OSU football players and Urban Meyer came to visit. They were even supported by Ohio State teams other than the football team.
Being an Ohio State fan may not be all that surprising. Grant’s parents, Troy and Denise Reed were in The Ohio State Marching Band and are OSU alumni.
“The publicity we got is shocking and overwhelming at times. I think people like the story because a kid ‘beat Michigan.’ We appreciate the encouragement, but we also recognize that this publicity will give some awareness to other kids with cancer,” said Denise Reed. Beating Michigan is a feat, but Denise Reed hopes more people who are suffering cancer will be encouraged by their story.
On August 12, Grant turns 13-years-old. The Reeds plan on having a “very large family thing.” Grant will be able to spend time with close family members and enjoy being out of a hospital. He looks forward to having this special time with family.
Although Grant will still visit the hospital for frequent MRIs and rehabilitation for the next two years, there is hope. There is hope for a life free from cancer, chemotherapy, Post Fossa Syndrom, and missing school because of hospital visits.
When asked what he wants to be when he grew up, Grant replied, “I don’t want much. It would be cool to be a football player for Ohio State.”
