It is with heavy remorse this article has to be written. There aren’t a lot of people who have hero status these days. But Michelle Arroyo and her son Grayson Arroyo-Smiley absolutely deserve the honor.
Old school Real Housewives of Orange County viewers might remember Grayson toddling around Slade Smiley’s house with his older brother Gavin Smiley during the first season. When Grayson was only six years old, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. At that point, Grayson and his mother began a 16-year-long battle.
Grayson’s diagnosis was Diffuse Fibrillary Astrocytomas. In very general terms, it’s a group of primary slow-growing brain tumors. Grayson was hospitalized for the majority of his life with Michelle being his main caregiver and advocate. Michelle confirmed the news of Grayson’s passing on social media. Page Six has the heartbreaking details.
While Michelle always knew this day would come, Gray’s death came as a shock. She said, “He was doing much better” after a recent infection, but most likely the trauma of the illness was too much for Gray’s weakened heart. Michelle explained that Grayson’s “heart stopped here at home.” This woman had to perform chest compressions on her child until paramedics arrived.
Unfortunately, Gray passed away at the hospital. He was 22 years old. Michelle shared, “I’m still in shock and going through the motions of dealing with all the details. I know Gray is playing cards with Gramma and playing Trouble with our beloved Diane. His dog Mo is right at his side as he never left him,” she added.
Grayson’s father Slade and fiancée Gretchen Rossi shared a joint statement regarding Grayson’s death. On Instagram, Gretchen wrote, “Our rational minds told us this day might come, but our hearts always held onto the hope that this day would not come to fruition.” She called Gray a “true beacon of light and hope” and shared photos of Grayson as a young child with herself and Slade. The couple have requested privacy during this time.
As Michelle begins the process of healing from losing her son, we hope she is comforted by the knowledge that the love and fighting spirit she had for Grayson was an inspiration to many. All of us at Reality Tea would like to extend our sincere condolences to Michelle, Slade, Gavin, and Gretchen for this devastating loss.
Contact Cancer Care at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or visit this link, info@cancercare.org. You can also call the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-234 or visit their website (https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services.html)
TELL US- PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE WORDS OF COMFORT OR SUPPORT FOR GRAYSON’S FAMILY
[Photo Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for WE tv]