Griffin’s Story
Contributors: His mom and dad, Jill & Kurt Dahmen, FOX 9 News,
and Photographer, Jim Bovin
The following Featured Story grabbed our attention and pulled at our heart strings, exemplifying the mission and vision of Because I Can. Thanks to Griffin and his mom and dad for allowing us to share a message of hope.
Late 2014, 8-year-old Griffin Dahmen, was diagnosed with a rare, life threatening bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. During his year long chemo battle, he once asked his mother: “What if I die?” Much of 2015 was spent at the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital, with days and nights ruled by medications. When Griffin was able to go home, his body was basically fighting on its’ own. The family agonized throughout his 18-month journey over the question: “Will our 8-year-old son be cancer free?”
Along Griffin’s journey, the Dahmen’s met Photographer, Jim Bovin, who encouraged the family to use photography as part of their therapy. Jim states - “Everyone here at children’s has a story to tell.” The camera was put to use and the outcome of the family photos documenting Griffin’s story are beautiful and amazing. A real life view within a very private and personal family journey, helps in the healing and gives hope for the future.
Griffin’s 18-month journey came to an intense point at the end of his chemo battle. His parents struggled throughout to reach this time and the ultimate answer to: ‘is my 8-year-old son cancer free?’ Waiting anxiously in the hospital room, the door opens and their doctor walks in to deliver the news. Three simple words: “Scan looks good.” That’s all they needed to hear.
We celebrate Griffin and his parents for their Because I Can Attitude in life. Griffin’s mom, Jill: “Cancer doesn’t have to steal everything. It tries really hard. It certainly doesn’t have to steal joy.” When Griffin was asked how he would fill in the blank: Because I Can…._______, he replied “BE STRONG”.
2017 Update from mom, Jill:
Griffin is taking full advantage of feeling good this year and participating in many sports! Living with the affects of cancer can be challenging but he is trying very hard to focus on the good things each day and being thankful for them. We are thrilled and so thankful that Griffin has officially received a clean bill of health on his 1 year scans! We are forever grateful for the Doctors and nurses that God has put in our life!
5.17.2017: Griffin is 16 months NED as of this month! He lives each day to the fullest, participating in all the sports that he loves! His leg/foot are still not functioning very well at all but he refuses to let that slow him down!!! Everyday is a gift and he knows this.
3.5.2018: He is 2 years NED! Healthy and strong! Doing what he loves...sports, sports and more sports!!!
Contributors: His mom and dad, Jill & Kurt Dahmen, FOX 9 News,
and Photographer, Jim Bovin
The following Featured Story grabbed our attention and pulled at our heart strings, exemplifying the mission and vision of Because I Can. Thanks to Griffin and his mom and dad for allowing us to share a message of hope.
Late 2014, 8-year-old Griffin Dahmen, was diagnosed with a rare, life threatening bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. During his year long chemo battle, he once asked his mother: “What if I die?” Much of 2015 was spent at the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital, with days and nights ruled by medications. When Griffin was able to go home, his body was basically fighting on its’ own. The family agonized throughout his 18-month journey over the question: “Will our 8-year-old son be cancer free?”
Along Griffin’s journey, the Dahmen’s met Photographer, Jim Bovin, who encouraged the family to use photography as part of their therapy. Jim states - “Everyone here at children’s has a story to tell.” The camera was put to use and the outcome of the family photos documenting Griffin’s story are beautiful and amazing. A real life view within a very private and personal family journey, helps in the healing and gives hope for the future.
Griffin’s 18-month journey came to an intense point at the end of his chemo battle. His parents struggled throughout to reach this time and the ultimate answer to: ‘is my 8-year-old son cancer free?’ Waiting anxiously in the hospital room, the door opens and their doctor walks in to deliver the news. Three simple words: “Scan looks good.” That’s all they needed to hear.
We celebrate Griffin and his parents for their Because I Can Attitude in life. Griffin’s mom, Jill: “Cancer doesn’t have to steal everything. It tries really hard. It certainly doesn’t have to steal joy.” When Griffin was asked how he would fill in the blank: Because I Can…._______, he replied “BE STRONG”.
2017 Update from mom, Jill:
Griffin is taking full advantage of feeling good this year and participating in many sports! Living with the affects of cancer can be challenging but he is trying very hard to focus on the good things each day and being thankful for them. We are thrilled and so thankful that Griffin has officially received a clean bill of health on his 1 year scans! We are forever grateful for the Doctors and nurses that God has put in our life!
5.17.2017: Griffin is 16 months NED as of this month! He lives each day to the fullest, participating in all the sports that he loves! His leg/foot are still not functioning very well at all but he refuses to let that slow him down!!! Everyday is a gift and he knows this.
3.5.2018: He is 2 years NED! Healthy and strong! Doing what he loves...sports, sports and more sports!!!
