Erik and JoLene Gray

When trying to determine who would be worthy of my first post of inspirational people, I wanted to find someone local. Growing up in Cedar City has given me a huge appreciation for the families and friends that make up our community. One incredible family in particular is the Gray's. The Gray family used to be my childhood neighbors. I remember riding the bus with their kids to elementary school every morning. They are a beautiful family, particularly their second to youngest son, Erik. Erik was diagnosed with malignant cancer in his salivary glands in 2008 called mucoepidermoid carinoma. Erik attended radiation treatment 5 days a week, and after a strong and uplifting fight, he became cancer free! Unfortunately, several years later, in 2012, the cancer returned. He is currently fighting his hardest and with an attitude that is truly inspirational.

The main reason I chose this story as the most inspiration to me is not only because of Erik's unfortunate battle, but because of the infectious attitudes of him and his family members, especially his mother JoLene. When I approached JoLene about the idea of me writing a blog post about her son, she was incredible. The feeling of pride and love towards her family was so strong. It amazes me of her and Erik's ability to be so upbeat and positive when it would be so easy to become depressed and bitter. I can always tell the days when my own mother has had an encounter with JoLene because her own attitude and gratitude towards life is lifted up. It amazes me that life can present someone with such horrible circumstances, and yet they can manage to uplift not only themselves, but an entire community. I firmly believe that ones attitude determines ones altitude, and the entire Gray family attitude is a huge inspiration to me.



You can read their entire story by visiting their own family blog

http://www.thedennisgrayfamily.blogspot.com

 Picture of Erik and JoLene at his high school graduation, right before his second diagnoses.