An army has been formed and is growing quickly. Not the typical army you think of, but an army nonetheless. What are they fighting for? They (We) are fighting for a brave, courageous, sweet (the list goes on and on) little boy who is battling cancer. He was nearly 11 years old when they found out that a mysterious lump in his abdomen was actually a tumor, just a little over 2 months ago. He has since undergone surgery and started the long stressful treatments of radiation and chemotherapy.
Although I don’t personally know Griffin, I do know his mom. I used to teach at the school that Holly currently still teaches at. She is one of a kind and words cannot describe what an amazing person she is.
So, this journey they are on and my role in it is very bittersweet for me. I plan to continue on this path with them as they go through many roller coasters to overcome this. He is currently on a regimen to go in every 3 weeks for chemo. Staying in the hospital for 3 days one treatment and 5 days the next and so on and so forth for the next year or so along with radiation treatments.
Saturday I went to the hospital as Griffin was undergoing a 5-day stay in the hospital receiving chemo. I wanted to get in as soon as possible because he has started losing his hair. He doesn’t have a ton to lose since he shaved his head weeks ago along with his mom and grandparents. I walked into the room to see Mom and Griffin decked out in their camo and “Griffin’s Army” gear.
You can follow Griffin’s journey through the FB group God is with Griffin. They are also having a walk for him on Monday, May 24th. If you would like more information about this, please email me at info@stephanieshirley.com.
Here are some of the pictures from our short visit, short because the little guy got pretty tired by the time I was leaving.
Here is “Beary” Watching over Griffin. Holly gave this to Griffin after he got out of surgery. He goes just about everywhere with him. Even when he goes in to get radiation treatments.
This little guy has a bigger version that actually goes to school and sits in for Griffin while he is out.
Beary wearing some of the Griffin’s Army gear.
“Major” Mom
Theresa Schulze posted the following on May 18, 2010 at 12:56 pm.
Hi, Griffin, I know what you are going through as I also have cancer. Even though mine is under control now, I still need all the prayers I can get. So hang in there, with all the prayers going your way, you can’t lose. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God watch over you and keep you safe. I’m telling God you have a lot of living to do and I know he’ll hear my prayers. God bless you!
Grammy posted the following on May 18, 2010 at 4:01 pm.
Oh my darling grandson, I was overwhelmed to see the beautiful pictures of you and your mom. You are teaching me so much during your painful journey. I honor your bravery and courage to do what you must do to win this battle. Just as your mom stays in the trenches with you, I promise to stand with my child, your mom, and share the months ahead with you, my youngest grandson. You are an amazing child, Griffin, with wisdom and grace far beyond your years. You have blessed us all with your life. We thank God for you. I love you, Grammy
Nancy Clark posted the following on May 18, 2010 at 5:57 pm.
May 18, 3:40 PT…Hi Griffin “brave trooper”
You may not feel so “lucky” right now; but you have such a dear Mom, Grammy, and “all the rest” of your “army” helping
you in battle against the enemy. You are “blessed” and fortunate to have such an army helping you fight this foe. We (out west)
think of you and ‘do pray for you and your army every day. ‘Hoping every day you will have a victory on this battlefield, and
you will continue to be strong and brave throughout the fight. You are my brother John’s youngest grandson, I know he must be
an “officer” in your army. With so many good people on your side, you have to win this battle. ‘Feel better; ‘get stronger…Love, NC
Leslie Morgan posted the following on May 19, 2010 at 6:34 am.
Stephanie, those are such beautiful pictures. I’ll be lifting Griffin and his family up in prayer, thank you for sharing their story.
Elise Friese posted the following on May 21, 2010 at 9:50 pm.
These are so beautiful & touching! Thank you so much for these pictures. They capture the total beauty of Holly & the love of a mother & child. These pictures are so wonderful for those of us family members that cannot be there to give love & hugs & comfort & even laughter. Our family….the NANCE clan….we love to laugh, sing & joke. I pray we will all be loving, singing & laughing together in the near future. Thanks so much!
Paula Stevenson posted the following on May 25, 2010 at 8:16 pm.
These pictures are so amazing and very touching. God Bless Griffin and Holly. Love and prayers.
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