The 'GOAT's' story inspires Hilliard

by Callene Laslo,

Staff Writer

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

Grady (9) works to walk and move arms again. Photo by Dena Way.

On July 14th 2021, Grady had a diving accident. He got moved from his house into the ICU that night. From the accident he had lost all of the feeling in his arms and legs, and broke his vertebrae. The doctors had made many early predictions. One of them being he wouldn’t be able to walk again.

This tragic accident hasn’t been easy for the Way family. Dena Way (Grady’s Mom) said, “Our son has always been very active and trying to imagine what this new normal would be like actually took our breath away.“ Despite the rough first couple of weeks where Grady had a ten hour surgery on his neck, and failed his swallow test a couple of times… Grady finally got moved to the rehab unit!

Bradley families wear the “Way To Strong” bracelets. Photo by Kristi Laslo.

The rehab unit gave Grady many opportunities to regain the feeling in his arms and legs. He rolled over, and had many other little accomplishments that eventually led to bigger and better things like…walking assisted on a tram! Five days after that he passed his swallow test where he is able to eat solid foods. About a week and a half into the rehab floor Grady had made many big strides. He started walking 150 feet without the walker, walked a flight of stairs assisted, and stood up unassisted. Delaney Way (Grady’s Sister) said, “ I just think it’s crazy how much things can change in just 27 days”.

For the Darby vs Bradley game on August 7th, some Bradley parents had come together to make this night special for the Way family. They created t-shirts and got his helmet signed by the coaches and players of both teams. The family was stunned by the event that our community put together. Dena Way said, “We will never be able to thank this community enough for all they have done for us through this tragic event.”

Grady is coming to the end of his recovery journey in the hospital! All of Grady’s friends are beyond excited to see him back at school again and finally get to start high school. His friends have really been missing him. Isaac Meister said, “Just to see him and talk to him in person” that’s all he wants to be able to do. As of now he is returning to Hilliard Bradley High School on September 24th! Make sure to keep sending love to the Way family.