Slade Smiley’s son Grayson dies at 22 after a long battle with cancer. His step-mother to-be, Gretchen Rossi , shared the devastating news on Tuesday night after his mother, Michelle Arroyo, made an Instagram post.
Hoping For The Best
Rossi started the heartbreaking caption by saying the family expected the day to come, but they hoped for the best. Unfortunately, there was no beating cancer for Grayson, and the 22-year-old passed away from his illness .
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An Impactful Life
His father’s partner described him as an angel on earth who fought through his discomfort to find happiness. Rossi said the late 22-year-old sang, danced, and laughed during his lifetime. He bonded the most with Rossi’s daughter, Skylar Gray.
The Family Want Privacy
The family is grateful for Grayson’s short time on earth, as it impacted everyone around him. Rossi requested privacy as they mourned the “unbearable” loss while sending love to Grayson from her, Smiley, and his little sister, Skylar.
A Warm Big Brother
Rossi shared another video a few hours ago, showing Grayson playing with his little sister, Skylar, despite his illness.
The 22-year-old indulged the toddler as they scouted for toys and played pretend. The video showed the essence of Grayson’s character and personality — smiling through the pain.
A Lifetime Of Fighting
Grayson received his brain cancer diagnosis in 2006 and has been fighting through the illness ever since. His mother, Arroyo, can’t believe her child is gone because she expected his last procedure to improve his health.
His Final Breath
Arroyo said the 22-year-old’s heart stopped all of a sudden while receiving treatment for other health concerns at home. She administered first aid while waiting for the paramedics. Grayson arrived at the hospital while he was still breathing, but it didn’t last long.
Honoring Grayson With A Legacy
Smiley hasn’t spoken out, but his partner of thirteen years did so on his behalf. They were a big blended family, and Rossi named her daughter Skylar “Gray” in honor of the 22–year-old. Now that he’s gone, his memory and legacy will live on through the three-year-old.
Life Raising A Child With Terminal Illness
Arroyo and the family set up a memorial fundraiser for Grayson on GoFundMe. The goal is to reach $75,000 in donations, and people are already donating. Arroyo dedicated her Instagram to sharing pictures of her son as they navigated life with a terminal illness.
Hope For A Peaceful Afterlife
Arroyo’s heartbreaking caption ended with the saying:
Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Chisom Ndianefo
