It’s been a few days since Gretchen Rossi ‘s stepson, Grayson Smiley-Arroyo, died of heart failure after years of dealing with brain cancer. The reality TV star isn’t over his death and expressed as much on her social media.
Raising Financial Support
A family member, Becky Arroyo, opened a fundraising account on GoFundMe to generate financial support for Grayson’s mother, Michelle Arroyo.
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She explained Grayson’s health condition in the description section of the GoFundMe page by detailing the late 22-year-old’s sad journey from age six to his eventual death last weekend.
Living Past The Expected Age
From the GoFundMe description, fans learned that Grayson lived years longer than the doctors guessed. The family thought Grayson would die after his 8th or 9th birthday, but he lived for 13 more years, albeit in and out of the hospital.
Survival Through Medical Treatment
Further information from the GoFundMe page showed that Grayson survived 21 brain surgeries, 8 bodily operations, and six chemotherapy regimens. Those rigorous treatments were mere parts of constant appointments and trips to the hospital.
His Final Days
The treatments worked for a while, but Grayson struggled the most in his final years. His systems suffered from rigorous treatments as they were damaged before shutting down. Grayson used an oxygen mask to assist his breathing in the last few years.
The Bad News
The family expected his death to come, but they hoped for a miracle as every human would until his shocking (but anticipated) death last weekend. Rossi revealed the bad news on Instagram, saying,
Bonding With His Sister
Despite his pain, Rossi revealed that Grayson spread love and happiness to everyone around him. She shared some clips of the late 22-year-old playing with his half-sister, Skylar Gray, whose middle name is a tribute to him.
Rossi said Grayson adored the toddler and built a strong bond with her.
Life WIthout Captain Gray
The Rossi-Arroyo clan is heartbroken as they navigate life without their angel on earth. Rossi said Grayson impacted everyone around him, and those feelings he left would remain long after his passing.
Fundraiser Is Going Well
Some of Rossi’s many lessons from Grayson include dancing regardless of your struggles. His mother, Michelle Arroyo, thanked the donators for their outpouring of love and support as the $75,000 goal already her $24,000 and counting.
Celebration of Life
Michelle dedicated her social media to celebrating her son, Captain gray, as he called himself in his final days.
