Michigan and Ohio State is one of the nations biggest sports rivalries. So a 12 year old Ohio State fan, Grant Reed, was diagnosed with a tumor and naturally decided to name it Ohio State.
He turned the Ohio State rallying cry, “Beat Michigan,” into a personal mantra for his every day battle.
According to MSN FoxSports (h/t Bleacher Report):
"Grant was diagnosed with the tumor in 2011, and decided soon after to nickname his biggest adversary after Ohio State’s greatest rival, the University of Michigan. And after much pain, struggle and chemotherapy, the doctors’ prognosis is good—Reed is beating Michigan."
Grant’s parents were both in the marching band at Ohio State and he grew up in a obviously pro-Buckeyes house. And his story could legitimately make him a contender for the title of OSU’s biggest fan.
Congrats to my dude Grant Reed who today rang the "Chemo Bell" after his final treatment! Well done @nationwidekids pic.twitter.com/QMVoBro3Qy
— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) July 5, 2013
http://t.co/yRUrqExpuL 12-year-old Grant Reed celebrates his final chemotherapy treatment to beat cancer, or as he calls it, "Michigan."
— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) July 5, 2013
His parents, Troy and Denise, spoke to NBC 4 in Columbus, OH about their son’s progress and his continuing will to fight against the odds.
“We’ve beaten Michigan in the short term,” Troy said. “But like any rival there’s a chance it can come back.”
His story has inspired the Ohio State Buckeyes and their fans. Head coach Urban Meyer even stopped by to visit Grant. The Reeds donated two wagons to the hospital so other kids in treatment would have something to play with. The gift though did come with strings attached.
“We did make the stipulation,” Troy said. “It had to say ‘Beat Michigan’ on it.”
