At 11 Grady launched the Poppy Run 5K drafted an Ohio bill letting widows keep Purple Heart plates leading with grit, service, and heart
Thank you for generously supporting Grady in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
Grady thrives on the challenge and discipline of sports, but he most loves pushing teammates to improve and building friendships through shared hard work. Every meet or game is a chance to get better together.
Grady is inspired by his late grandfather, a disabled Vietnam Marine who fought lifelong health issues and the VA. In his honor, Grady is working with his congressman on federal legislation to give grieving families time before VA medical equipment is reclaimed, and he also proposed Ohio legislation to allow surviving spouses to keep their loved one’s Purple Heart license plates. He believes service continues even after the game ends.
What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest? Watching Grady finish the very 5K he created raising funds for veterans and spotlighting his Ohio Purple Heart-plate bill proved he isn’t just a competitor; he’s a leader who turns ideas into action.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.