COLUMBUS, Ohio - A special young man received a well-deserved send-off Friday at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Last November, NBC4 showcased the Reed family from Bellville, Ohio.
Troy and Denise Reed met as members of The Ohio State University Marching Band. They're diehard Buckeyes, and those values were instill in their children, Collin and Grant.
When Grant was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago, he nicknamed the disease "Michigan." But Friday, he beat Blue.
When the bell rings at Nationwide Children's Hospital, its sound represents renewed life.
"We've heard it run a few times. There was always the thought of having him to it. Today we got to hear it," Troy said.
On the 11th floor at the hospital, the bell awaits patients completing their final chemotherapy treatment.
OSU Head Coach Urban Meyer stopped by the hospital in December, and spent time with Grant, who turns 13 next month.
Doctors said the prognosis for Grant looks good.
"We've beaten Michigan for the short term, but like any rival, there's a chance it can come back," Troy said.
Grant will return to the hospital every three months for an MRI. He suffered some complications from treatment, which impacted his speech and mobility.
"I want to recover. I want to talk faster, I guess. Walk faster," he said.
Before he left, Grant and his brother donated two wagons for future patients at the hospital -- part of the Buckeye way to pay it forward.
"We did make the stipulation. It had to say 'Beat Michigan' on it," Troy said.
"We both spent time in the hospital. [It's] just a thanks for taking care of both of us," Collin said.
Collin was a goalie for his soccer team, so he wants to get back to playing soccer. He also likes baseball and basketball, and the family hopes to go see the Buckeyes play in person this fall.
Michigan head coach Brady Hoke was quoted in Sports Illustrated Kids concerning Grant Reed's cancer battle:
"Grant's story is inspirational and shows how special this great rivalry is to so many people. Our team breaks each meeting with 'Beat Ohio,' and I think we can all agree this is one circumstance where it's acceptable to say 'Beat Michigan. Now, what we hope and pray for is that Grant never has to battle 'Michigan' again." - Courtesy of SIKids.com.
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