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Junior Irish Reporter program, born from the partnership between University of Notre Dame Athletics and Beacon Health Foundation, gives Beacon Children’s Hospital patients the opportunity to meet and interview Notre Dame athletes. Meet these special kids, learn their stories and see them in action.
Get to know these amazing kids and find their full story and video below.
Fifth-grader Braxton’s healthcare journey started when he complained to his parents about some stomach pain. After numerous medical visits, a suspected virus turned out to be something much more serious: acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the blood. Fortunately, Braxton’s illness responded to treatment immediately. In fact, the cancer cells died so quickly that the care team had to race to flush the released toxins out of his body. One month after treatment began, his cancer was in remission, and a few months after that, Braxton was the starting pitcher in a baseball game. Now that Braxton is one and one-half years into his treatment, there is no sign that the leukemia will return. With a smile, his mother, Päivi, says, “He’s going to have a happy, healthy life.”
On the first day of school in 2021, 6-year-old Avery woke up in the middle of the night with a fever. Off and on over the next six weeks, she would experience low-grade fevers and terrible leg pain. Multiple doctor’s visits and tests didn’t provide any definite answers. “The six weeks just felt like it was a lifetime,” said her mom, Kait. When worsening symptoms led to an emergency room visit, additional testing revealed that Avery had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Aggressive treatment started right away, and she completed two years of treatment last December. “She’s so smart and so brave. We called her Ave the Brave during her treatment,” said Kait.
Greyson Young was born without any problems. But by his 9-month check-up, his head circumference had become extremely large. He was diagnosed with severe hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles deep within the brain. The extra fluid puts pressure on the brain and skull, which can cause brain damage and seizures. Greyson had brain surgery that same week. But not just any brain surgery: Dr. Daniel Fulkerson is one of the few pediatric neurosurgeons who specializes in a particular endoscopic option called ETV (endoscopic third ventriculostomy). Greyson’s surgery was a success, and Dr. Fulkerson says, “Greyson is doing fabulous. He’s shown no symptoms and encountered no problems so far. If he goes a full year without requiring another surgery, he’s probably cured for life.”
It started out as a rash on his arms after football practice. Gavyn’s parents though he might just be having a simple allergic reaction to the grass. But before long, his rash had spread to his whole body. He tested negative for allergies. Next, Gavyn’s joints began to swell, especially his fingers. He couldn’t walk. The hospital suspected juvenile arthritis. But a few days later, the results of additional testing showed the true culprit: Lyme disease. Fortunately, treatment with antibiotics for four weeks cleared his symptoms. Gavyn is now a healthy, adventurous, friendly and kind 10-year-old. Looking back, his mom Shayla says, “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through.” But through it all, and with the help of his faith, her son kept his chin up. “He’s just a kid that doesn’t let things bother him too much. He’s a tough cookie for sure,” she said.
When twins Addie and Briggs were born at 28 weeks, weighing about two lb. each, it was a whirlwind experience for their parents. Their mom, Haley, had suddenly gained 30 pounds in just a few days due to preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and can damage organs. In addition, an intrauterine growth restriction was affecting little Addie. The next day Haley had a c-section, and Addie and Briggs were whisked into Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Briggs was there for 100 days and Addie for 106 days. “My husband Ryan and I were there every day,” says Haley. Today these second graders are happy and healthy. Addie, the elder twin by two minutes, is gregarious and outgoing, while Briggs is friendly and thoughtful. Both are fast friends with their five-year-old sibling, Boden, and they adore their baby sister Gracie, who’s just turning one.
At 11 years old, Gabe Rodriguez is full of energy, laughter, and a love for sports. But behind his bright smile is a story of resilience—one that began before he was even old enough to understand what it meant to be sick. At just 22 months old, Gabe Rodriguez was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His parents’ world shattered, but Beacon Children’s Hospital became their refuge—a place of expert care and unwavering support. After years of treatments, Gabe received his last cancer treatment at age five. Now 11, he’s thriving—playing flag football, organizing Cleats versus Cancer to help other kids, and even stepping into a dream role as a Junior Irish Reporter for Notre Dame Men’s Basketball.
Thirteen-year-old Grayson Briones is a true warrior. Even while battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he refused to let cancer take away the things he loved—lacing up for hockey, hitting the football field, and earning straight As, all while enduring 12 weeks of grueling chemotherapy. His parents’ search for answers was long and heartbreaking, but they found comfort at Beacon Children’s Hospital. Through every scan, treatment, and moment of uncertainty, the doctors, nurses, and staff became their lifeline. Now, more than a year past his last treatment, Grayson is thriving—back to sports, skiing, and even reporting for Notre Dame Men’s Basketball. His journey is a testament to resilience, expert care, and the power of hope.
