Alison Griep is a long time friend of mine going way back to our Little Britches Rodeo, Wisconsin High School Rodeo, & rodeo queening days. I can’t even remember exactly when I met her but it’s safe to say it’s been over 20 years! As soon as she told me what was going on it was as on my heart to try to help them because this situation is a families worst fear come true. Recently her son, Dawson, had a fall that led them to visiting their local ER for what she suspected was a simple concussion. Upon going to the ER they learned that something else was going on. Transfer to the children’s hospitals in Madison was not possible due to lack of beds so they found themselves taking a scary drive to Milwaukee Children’s where Dawson spent several days undergoing tests and procedures including a biopsy. They were able to go home for the weekend while awaiting results and found out yesterday that he has an official diagnosis. I will share her post below. “ Yesterday afternoon, we received Dawson's official diagnosis after the pathology was confirmed. Dawson has been diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, or LCH for short. LCH is an extremely rare form of cancer that typically affects younger children, ages 1-3. Being older makes it even more rare for him to have this. Essentially, his body is attacking itself, creating tumors. As of now, we know of two masses; one on his mastoid, which has deteriorated the bone completely, leaving the mass to push on his brain, but at this point, his brain is okay. The other mass is on his femur. Both cause pain, but he's been an absolute trooper. Next week, he will receive a full-body scan to see where else his body might be affected, and we are praying they don't find anything else. After the scan, he will have a port placed and will begin chemotherapy. That being said, this is a cancer we can fight, and it has very good outcomes with treatment. Also, the oncology team and all the specialists have been amazing; we are thankful for a diagnosis and ready to fight this. There are still more questions we need to figure out answers to, and the road before us is just beginning. His care will continue at the Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. Please bear with us as we navigate everything. We are taking this day by day. I will say it again, our baby is truly one in a million.” Having had a diagnosed autoimmune disease since 2012 & been in the ICU more times then I can count & because of that I want to find a way to help the Griep family in a meaningful way during this time. So often people say “here if you need anything” or “let us know if you need help” meaning well but not actually offering anything in particular. I am suggesting this because I personally know so many people don’t know where to start so they just don’t AND as the person going through a battle like this people often don’t know what they even need to ask nor do they want to burden people with their problems. I have come to realize that when you are in the thick of it and feel like you are drowning you often do not even know what you need, what would take just a little off your plate, or how someone can help you. Starting a meal train & gift card drive will assist the Griep family with meals when they’re home that they do not have to shop for & prepare (giving them more family time), fuel money for all of the drives to and from the hospital, and easier access to meals out, essential items, etc while they are away from home - things they have not budgeted for because who could expect this or prepare for it? Let’s rally for the Griep family and show them that our communities support them!