This little boy has captured the hearts of so many around me and I am compelled to share his story with you. Aaron Gray passed away after a 5 year battle with brain cancer at the age of 6. The efforts made for Aaron and in his memory have been nothing short of inspiring and today we celebrate his life 3 years later.
In October of 2006, just 2 weeks after Aaron gray turned a year old his family was given the news that he had a brain tumor called Ependymoma and would require surgery and radiation treatment. Aaron battled relentlessly the returning tumors until October of 2011 when an MRI detected Aaron had another tumor that was rapidly growing and God would soon take this Angel from his pain. On December 7th, 2011 Aaron passed away.
It was a trying time for his family. They struggled to cope with the loss of their son but were able to pull together and support one another and make some big changes in his name. Pam and Steve Gray and their daughter Stephanie have campaigned and spread the word about Team Aaron and the Jimmy Fund supporting Children's Cancer for the last 4 years and continue their efforts still today.
On April 6th, 2014 Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick named April 10th, 2014 Ependymoma Awareness Day. Team Aaron made an appearance on Good Morning America on September 2nd 2014 and that night Time Square lit up gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness as well as various landmarks following soon within the month. They participate in cancer walks and other events in the Massachusetts area making new friends and celebrating Aaron and keeping his memory alive and thriving.
My personal relationship with the family has been awakening. From the Motorcycle ride to the dedication of the fire truck at Jellystone Park in Sturbridge, Ma we have had many laughs. My family spends holidays and weekends with the Grays and it has been truly amazing to watch their journey. With both the good and the bad they are an amazing family and we are honored to be in their lives so closely.
On this day 3 years ago memorial services were held to remember and honor Aaron. Today we celebrate him again and remind ourselves of his heroic deeds to try and take something from the many lessons he taught us about strength and love.
At 3 o'clock today we will all be listening to the sound he loved most, a train horn. Please watch for the post on facebook, twitter, google+ and linkedin and share with us to raise awareness and remember Aaron.
It was a trying time for his family. They struggled to cope with the loss of their son but were able to pull together and support one another and make some big changes in his name. Pam and Steve Gray and their daughter Stephanie have campaigned and spread the word about Team Aaron and the Jimmy Fund supporting Children's Cancer for the last 4 years and continue their efforts still today.
On April 6th, 2014 Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick named April 10th, 2014 Ependymoma Awareness Day. Team Aaron made an appearance on Good Morning America on September 2nd 2014 and that night Time Square lit up gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness as well as various landmarks following soon within the month. They participate in cancer walks and other events in the Massachusetts area making new friends and celebrating Aaron and keeping his memory alive and thriving.
My personal relationship with the family has been awakening. From the Motorcycle ride to the dedication of the fire truck at Jellystone Park in Sturbridge, Ma we have had many laughs. My family spends holidays and weekends with the Grays and it has been truly amazing to watch their journey. With both the good and the bad they are an amazing family and we are honored to be in their lives so closely.
On this day 3 years ago memorial services were held to remember and honor Aaron. Today we celebrate him again and remind ourselves of his heroic deeds to try and take something from the many lessons he taught us about strength and love.
At 3 o'clock today we will all be listening to the sound he loved most, a train horn. Please watch for the post on facebook, twitter, google+ and linkedin and share with us to raise awareness and remember Aaron.
To read more about Aaron and his family please visit his CaringBridge Page and to Donate in his name visit the Jimmy Fund or to the UMASS Memorial Foundation/Children's Medical Center, memo to Outpatient Pedi Oncology/Aaron Gray, 55 Lake Ave., North, Worcester, 01655