CaringBridge Lessens the Load

For Eddie and Mary Grampp, life is full of “good distractions” with three active kids all under the age of 5 including one starting kindergarten this fall. Eddie, diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in June 2012 when their youngest was only four months old, continues to work as an animator at Nickelodeon Animation Studios and inspires others with his positive outlook and words.

The Grampps consider it a miracle that Eddie is still here beating the odds and they’ve found CaringBridge to be a great outlet for sharing their story of hope and encouragement. When Eddie was first diagnosed, Mary found it hard and emotionally draining to respond to the large number of people who called, texted, emailed or asked how he was doing. Two weeks after his diagnosis, with Eddie in the ICU being treated for hydrocephalus, Mary started their CaringBridge site.

Sharing Their Story

Initially they had their CaringBridge website private but after hearing how people were being positively impacted by them sharing their journey, they decided to make it public. Mary said, “CaringBridge helps us share our story. It’s such a big mouthpiece and now people we don’t even know are reading our story. It’s benefitting our spirits knowing that others are being touched by our story and that we are helping others who are also facing cancer or other challenging situations.”

CaringBridge Lessens Their Load

Mary said that she couldn’t imagine not having CaringBridge and that it helps lessen her and Eddie’s load. From the beginning, guided by Eddie’s courageous lead, the Grampps have had this attitude: “It’s not happening to us but happening for us.” Focusing on the blessings and miracles that have happened throughout their journey, the Grampps have also provided comfort for others facing brain cancer including encouraging them to start CaringBridge websites.

Mary says that one of the best parts of CaringBridge is seeing the comments of support left for her family. She says, “I love that people can leave comments and like our posts. We really enjoy reading everyone’s comments. The words of support and encouragement mean so much to us and we’ve also been able to see how people have been touched by our journey. It’s neat to see people we barely know showing us such care and compassion.”

Are you or a loved one caring for someone on a health journey? If so, start a CaringBridge website where you can share updates and receive encouragement and support from your community. Visit the Ways to Help page, and set up The CaringBridge Planner to recruit help for day-to-day errands.

How has CaringBridge touched your life? Share in the comments below.

  • Ute and Jim Jordan

    I just read your story and want to tell you that our daily prayers are with your family.
    Just remember that God is with you all the time, and He hears your prayers.

  • Doretta Schemerhorn

    Just read about you and glad I clicked on to CaringBridge. It is great to read about your great attitude . God bless and I pray a miracle will take place in your time of need.

  • phyllis robinson

    eddie &mary, so few of can say that our life has not been touched by cancer. three very special women and father in law.i am amazed by the strength and grace of this four people.i am honored to have these folks in my life.i have seen life begin and relationships sky rocket.my love ones have all taught me something new and wonderful about
    life.i am sixty nine yrs old and just began a great grandma three weeks ago. I have been staring,laughing,crying,
    at the pictures of your babies. the five grampps shall be with me in thoughts and prayers. I will share shall your story with friends co workers aND CHURCH family. there just cannot be enough prayers. MARY GRAMPPS you are a hero!!!!!!!!!!!! psamj1944@cox.net

  • Carol (and Morris) Beal

    Eddie, Mary and family –
    I don’t believe I know you folks, but I’m glad that you put us on your list! My husband has had cancer twice over ten years ago , and our daughter-in-law is going through bladder cancer right now (She has a Caring Bridge site too – Heather Beal).
    God is a Gracious God who doesn’t put us through any more than what He knows we can stand. Our prayers are with you all. Keep us posted.

  • Joanna Mccarthy

    Ye as a family are an Inspiration – To enjoying life one day at a time Xxx

  • Thomas & Donna Pomeroy

    Your blessings are truly obvious to us. Your wonderful family, the people you inspire, and your great attitude are just some of the blessings that stand out to us even without ever knowing you. May the Lord continue to watch over you and shower you with his blessings. You and your family are in our prayers.

  • Wayne Edgerton

    In the words of Jim Valvano “never, never, never, never, never give up” God Bless

  • Bernie Jorgenson

    So very touching. Best of luck to your family. PRAYERs

  • Lori Myers / Enid, Oklahoma

    You have something beautiful to keep fighting for, beautiful kiddos that need you to keep your head up and BELIEVE!!! Best of luck to you and your strong wife.

  • Nan

    I just read your story. I had tears in my eye. I wish you all the prayers to you, Eddie &your beautiful children. I have love ones that have passed from different cancers. I’m so glad that you have each other thats all it matters. You can get through this. You are in our thoughts & prayers. I have two boys one will be 24 this coming Nov 7 the other one is 22 & I have a set of twin boys that are 13yr old. My husband & I wish you God Blessing.

  • Kathie

    Dear Grampp Family,
    You are truly blessed to be such a source of inspiration for each other. During this fight please look up Elona McKibben on Google, she is also a survivor of the horrible C. and was a huge help in the support of my nephew Chris who also had a brain tumor.

  • Patricia

    What a wonderful story of faith. I hope the very best for you and your family. When seeing the burdens that families like yours have, it puts the burdens we have in a different light. Praying for you and your family.

  • Patti Stoner

    I am squeezing you in my arms, dear Edie! May that comfort you
    on the day of your surgery and radiation on the 30th and every day.
    All love and prayers, Patti Stoner

  • Sharon Rice

    Our God is a mighty God and his wonders he will perform if we only pray believing. Remember we only need to have faith the size of a mustard seed. I wear a necklace around my neck containing a mustard seed to constantly remind of how powerful prayer is…..Love to you and your precious children.

  • The Jicha Family

    God Bless you all & the prayers that follow.

    Nancy & Jim Jicha

  • Taunya MIttelsteadt

    Dear Grampp’s Family – I also have a friend on CaringBridge that has brain cancer which has spread to his lungs. He too has been seeing miracle after miracle from all the prayers of loved ones. Keep up the fight and stay active with your three beautiful children. I wish you all the very best and will continue to pray for more miracles for Eddie and your family!

    A CaringBridge Friend – God Bless You and Keep You, Taunya

  • laurie

    my prays and thoughts are with you all God bless you and your family

  • beth

    Go Eddie! We’re all behind you! (hugs)

  • Morlers

    Bless you all – and don’t forget miracles do happen xxxxxxxxx

  • John

    What an inspiration this story is to me, Thank you for sharing and my prayers are with you all.

  • Sheri Cohen

    I received this as an e-mail from CaringBridge today and have read your story. You all are such an inspiration and are in my thoughts and prayers. You have beautiful children and my hope is that Eddie just keeps on going with his positive attitude.

  • Tina Lehtinen

    Thank you for sharing your journey and story! You are such an inspiration to me. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family as you fight this battle!!

  • Mike Anderson

    Just read your story and what a wonderfull one it was at that will definitely be keeping you in both thought and prayers hang in there and don’t no never give up HOPE!

  • Pauline

    Your a very stronge wife staying by your husbands side at a time like this . Can tell you it’s a scarey road but you are staying stong for your husband and children God bless

  • Deborah

    Dear Eddie and Mary,
    I went through the same situation with two of my family members. Myself alone, did not have a site like caringbridge, but since that time, one of my friends was on caringbridge and made it so easy for us to keep in contact sending our warmest thoughts and prayers. Which is why your story compelled me to write. I am sending many prayers that God will lay his hands upon your head and heal you in his holy name! Hug each other and cling on to the friends and family who have been such a great support system to you all. God bless those babies and hold them near your heart as much as you can. Lastly, do not let one minute go by without telling each other you love them. May God Shine down upon your lovely face! God loves you and so do we!

  • Sandi McVige

    God Bless you and your family. Prayers are sent your way.

  • Peyton Roxanne

    This was a touching story to my heart!!! U guys will be in my prayers!!!

  • Shana

    You and your family are in my prayers. Vit B17…miracles can and will happen with your amazing attitude!!

  • Donna Rae

    May the Lord be with you as you travel the path. You are so inspiring in my own walk in life. Giving me another outlook. When you made the comment it is happening for us. I had never looked at it that way. Praise the Lord with your family in prayer this morning.

  • Allison Bailey

    My prayers are with you. My dad just died from an inoperable brain cancer and he only lived 18 weeks. My Jesus hold and carry you as you all go on this difficult journey.

  • Shannon Norton in Louisiana

    Wow! What an inspirational story and testimony you guys have! I’m following along aside you in prayer for your family, but I am also using this as encouragement for my own life as my husband battles brain cancer. It has affected everything in our lives and I’m just struggling day by day to keep seeing His light in this storm. Thank you for sharing your hope with us!

  • Maddy Sandy

    I am praying for you and your family. Stay strong.

  • Helen-Anne Cafferty

    What a brave family!!! Prayers for your wonderful family!

  • Ray A. George

    May God continue to bless the Grampps family!!!! You are great example of living life courageously.

  • Stamatia

    May God Guard you and Guide you always.

  • Venkatesh Saladi

    Hello Eddie,
    I appreciate your great attitude and wish you to get back victoriously soon…. all the best..
    Your childern are so sweet…

  • Pastor Bob Blaine

    Eddie and Mary, I just prayed for you after reading your story. May God Bless you both and your beautiful children. God has brought us together in Jesus, to encourage (Lift each other up), to love one another and to help each other carry burdens that are related to life itself. Just allow the Lord to sustain you through this trial of faith. I would also like to share with you an alternative treatment for cancer, here is the free website: http://www.lifecancerfree.com please look this site up, and God Bless you all.

  • Joseph Krendel

    Be hold be strong we will pray for you can you direct me to your site?cant find it?God will give you the power to pass all of that and come back to your kids life string and happy.
    Aurora Colorad

  • Joseph Krendel

    Be hold be strong we will pray for you can you direct me to your site?cant find it?God will give you the power to pass all of that and come back to your kids life string and happy.
    Joseph Krendel Aurora Colorado
    joekrendel@ymail.com

  • Linda

    What a beautiful, courageous story for a lovely family. Could those little ones get any cuter?

  • Goria Bunting

    God is doing MIRACLES every second of every day. BELIEVE and RECEIVE. Praying for you and your family.

  • Linda Goodman

    Praising the Lord that you are here to tell others about the miracles.
    Our youngest daughter, 26 years old, went to be with Jesus in 2006 and she had malignant brain tumor, as the doctor told us, the worst. We did not think we would have her 5 minutes and we had her 5 years. She was married and had her third baby girl then two weeks later diagnosed. Our plans are not always God’s plans, but His are perfect. Four months after she was diagnosed I broke my arm and found out I have Multiple Myeloma. Doctor told my husband that I had 3 to five years. Thirteen years later I am telling others of the miracles I have seen through my journey. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Prayers from our family and friends is what has brought us through. The faith our daughter had was what brought her through, along with the prayers.

  • Lynn

    Thank you for sharing your story

  • Ila.

    Dear Eddie and Mary.
    My prayers are with you. Keep smiling. Positive attitude is the best blend with medicine.your children are beautiful.pl. let me know if I can help you.
    God bless you.

  • Alma McCormick

    Dear Eddie and Mary, As long as there is life, there is still hope. Many people have been in your situation and pulled through it. Get ahold of “THE CANCER KILLERS, (book) the cause is the cure” by Dr Charles Majors. He too had stage 4 Cancer and is here to tell about it. He has also started the MAXIMIZED LIVING Program to help people experience the best of health through exercise as cancer hates oxygen. Please watch ‘HOW TO MAKE BAKING SODA MOLASSES CANCER PROTOCOL SOLUTION by Vernon Johnson (pHKillsCancer.Com) Then look at CANCER IS A FUNGUS & CURABLE WITH BAKING SODA. Lots of good articles on the computer…there is one on 30 ways to cure cancer. Check out the herbs. Vitamin B17 is the alternative cancer solution which is primarily apricot seeds but you cannot buy them in the US. You need to check out acid/alkaline charts. Cancer loves acid. YES, I too have had cancer but that was over 5 years ago and now I am CANCER FREE! And I pray that you can be that way too by changing your ways. PS Let me know if any of this information makes any sense to you or if it has helped you in any way because I care about you and will be praying for you!

  • JOANTERRY IN GARLAND TX

    MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU WITH THE PEACE ONLY HE CAN GIVE. IT IS ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW ARE THINKING OF YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU!!! i WILL BE REMEMBERING YOU IN PRAYER AND HOPE TO SEE ANOTHER UPDATE ON YOUR CONDITION, EDDIE..

  • George Robinson

    God bless you and your family and may God put his healing hand upon you. You and your family are on our daily prayers.

  • Karen

    Lifting you up in thoughts and prayers. I also follow 2 family members on Caring Bridge. It really helps.

  • Carol Clemans - www.carolclemans.org

    May God’s healing power flow to Eddie!!!!!!!! May God bless the family with healing, provision and guidance in Jesus name!

  • Ginny Martin

    Prayers, blessings and Love!!!!

  • Nancy Kerbs

    Great attitude, which I believe is best for healing. Never never give up. You are an example to many. I believe God is in charge.

  • Noelea

    Mary and Eddie, praying for you and your family.

  • Gale Garner

    Praying for you and your family. My best friend was diagnosed with stage 4 Glio brain tumor in the fall of 2009. She is beating the odds by still being alive! God is seeing her daily through this journey…..He will be with you also! Caring Bridge has meant so much to her and her family. May God continue to use others for encouragement to you..Keep trusting Him in all things.

  • Nancy

    May God continuously walk beside you and uphold you and your beautiful family. Youe are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Diane Anderson

    Love and prayers for all of you.

  • Sue Bonilla

    Sending good vibes and healing thoughts.

  • Sue Bonilla

    You are not alone. So many people care and send good, healing vibes.

  • Sheila Stevenson

    I just read your story. I admire you sharing your journey with family, friends and “unknowns” through Caringbridge. As a family we found this outlet comforting when my sister was battling cancer. I pray God will be your strength and comfort and hold you close in His arms during this very difficult time.

  • Imogene

    Sending prayers that God will allow a miracle for you. You have such a beautiful family and I know that they want to have you around for a long long time. God is still in the miracle business and I feel that he will give you one. God Bless you all!!

  • Ed Blanchfield

    Wow What a journey I will say. That is what I said while my beautiful wife battled Breast cancer three times and she is a fighter. It is amazing how people do handle this journey with so many ways. Eddie you are a believer and God is walking with you. I am praying for you and your awesome family.
    Thank you for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration and you have blessed me. I pray for a miracle.
    God Bless

  • Sherry Settlemire

    We, too, are going through a time FOR us! My 45 yr. old daughter was diagnosed with two brain tumors 2.5 years ago. They say it WILL be back withint 18 months to 3 years! We have had so many many blessings throughout this last two and a half years by friends, family, church family, etc.! What a blessing! Some days are very very hard….that’s when I try to be still and know that He is God and He has total loving control over my daughter! God bless you! I’ll be praying for God’s love to surround you! Thank you!

  • Amy

    God bless you. You’re all in my prayers.

  • Helen Morrill

    Praying for a miracle for you. I so much admire your positive outlook and your courage as God continues to provide blessing each d ay. Keep on keepin on and remember that youa re the apple of God’s eye. He love you and your family so much. If He had a wallet, your picture w ould be innit!

  • Meredith Faircloth Phillips

    What a FABULOUS Momma you are and inspiration to us all!!! In fact Eddie, your husband, you and your other children are just incredible!!! Your family will continue to be in my prayers!!!!

  • Melody McCreary Stafford

    All of you show such courage. Keep up the good fight because miracles do happen. I know, because I had a brother that was one. He had cancer but not brain cancer. He always said that having a very positive attitude and having faith kept him from giving up. This was back in 1970 when he was given less than a 1% chance of survival and he was only 20 years old. I can gladly say that he made it and was considered a miracle patient. Your precious family will continue to be in my prayers.

  • Barbara

    May you feel the rich closeness of Jesus with you both and your children. Thank you for sharing your story.

  • Alexis from Troy, IL

    God Bless you and your family….keep up the fight!

  • Peggy Thompson

    Praying for you family….

  • Captain Dave

    We would like all of you to come enjoy sailing with the Sailing Angels Foundation. This is a free service for ‘special families’ which we provide on Galveston Bay, near Kemah. Simply take 5 minutes and Register for the sail by going to our website (www.SailingAngels.org). Also, check out our Facebook page: Sailing Angels Foundation.

  • Barb Ell (MO)

    God Bless you and your family. Caring Bridge was a wonderful outlet when we had loved ones battling cancer. My prayers are with your family!

  • Billie Walsh

    Dear Mary and Eddie, Your children are so beautiful, and I know that they are a great support to you both. Brain cancer is certainly not the luckiest ticket in the hat, but the treatments are forever improving and there will be a cure. I will pray that yours is that lucky ticket. Eat well, get rest, absorb the love of those little angels in your arms. With Mary at your side—you’re all set!

  • Mary

    Seeing how Eddie is handling this challenge is an inspiration to me
    who have a much smaller cross to carry.

  • Ron

    Wow to all those overcomming hard feats may it be possible for you to be blessed in the life to come

  • Tammy Ablan

    Mary and Eddie, thanks for sharing your story and helping others by telling them about CaringBridge. You both provide so much inspiration to so many people!

  • Linda S. Humphrey

    Hello Eddie and Mary. I am a friend of Laurel Price. She shared your story with us. I wish you only the best in your battle. I hope you win and come out totally victorious. I am placing your names in my prayer box. My husband is a cancer survivor. It’s hard but with the help of God, family and friends and of course wonderful medical staff, we get through it. All the best to you. You have a most beautiful family. Sincerely…

  • Nancy Lark

    I am a big fan of Eddie and Mary. They are an inspiration to me every week when I see them at church handling their challenges with such grace and faith. Go team Eddie!

  • Laurel Price

    I am walking with you on this one! I too have an extremely rare brain tumor. Technically it is below the brain but it is classified as such. First surgery three years ago followed by radiation. Last month it came back with a vengeance going after my optic nerve. Surgery has been able to remove what they can and my eyesight is intact. I have been blessed beyond my dreams. You and your family will be in my prayers!

  • Sheryl Anne Lehman

    I think this is one of the best outlets for people to be able to share ~ I feel everyone needs a visit and a prayer. You might not know me, but the love that God has given us is big enough to share with others, always. Today ~ and Tomorrow. God bless you Mary and Eddie. Know that I am praying for you and your beautiful children.
    I have other friends that have been through things like this ~ everyone has something ~ and everyone is unique. In Jesus Name, you can share your life with others. Thank you for letting me in.

  • Rebecca (Philly)

    Oops. I commented on my own post. Love your “attitude”. It’s happening FOR us. I include myself and all of your readers because your experience is lifting the hearts and lives of us all.

  • Rebecca (Philly)

    Love your “attitude”. It’s happening FOR us. I include myself and all of your readers because your experience is lifting the hearts and lives of us all.