A 12-year-old cancer patient who is a die-hard Ohio State fan came up with a unique way to motivate himself to fight the disease he was diagnosed with two years ago. Grant Reed named his brain tumor “Michigan.”
On Friday, Grant beat Michigan by undergoing his final chemotherapy treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
According to NBC 4, Grant’s parents Troy and Denise met when they were both members of the Ohio State University Marching Band in college. Their love for the Buckeyes and hatred for the Wolverines rubbed off on their children, and the rivalry was used to help Grant battle cancer. When asked if he was proud to have beaten Michigan, Grant gave a classic response.
“Oh yes,” he said enthusiastically. “Because Michigan sucks.”
Grant and his family got to ring the bell on the 11th floor of the hospital on Friday, which symbolizes patients completing their final chemotherapy treatment. He even got a visit from Ohio State coach Urban Meyer back in December.
“We’ve beaten Michigan for the short term, but like any rival, there’s a chance it can come back,” Grant’s father Troy said.
Grant will have to return to Nationwide Children’s Hospital every three months for an MRI. He suffered some complications during treatment which have affected his speech and mobility, but the 12-year-old said he has set goals for himself to walk and talk faster. Before leaving the hospital, Grant and his brother Collin donated two wagons for future patients.
“We did make the stipulation,” Troy said. “It had to say ‘Beat Michigan’ on it.”
We have all grown to love the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry because it brings us entertaining side stories like these inscribed footballs, but Grant’s story shows us how sports can have a much more important impact on people’s lives. When they hear about Grant’s battle, I’m sure even the Wolverines will be rooting for the Buckeyes.
