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Brave Beyond The Diagnosis

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Brave Beyond The Diagnosis

Online Store Launching Soon! Locally sourced, faith-based, handmade items for Mom & Baby.

✨ Real-life stories from our journey
✨ Facts, tips, and practical advice about tube feeding
✨ Encouragement rooted in God’s love 🙏

Together, we break the stigma, spread awareness, and remind parents and caregivers that they are never alone. 💛

07/08/2026

💜 One year ago today, Grayson received his PEG 💜

A year ago, I walked into theatre terrified. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed, helpless and so incredibly clueless. I questioned everything. Would I cope? Would I know what to do? Would I ever stop being scared of this little button that would become such a huge part of our lives?

Today, I can honestly say this little device saved my son’s life.

His PEG has allowed him to receive the nutrition and medication he needs safely, without the constant fear of aspiration. It has given him strength to fight through chemotherapy, supported his growth, and quite literally kept him alive.

It’s funny how life changes. The procedure that once filled me with so much fear has now become second nature. These days I can disconnect his feed, change his extension tube, flush his PEG and reconnect everything with one hand while Grayson is happily lying on his tummy… probably with my eyes closed! 😅

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that parents are capable of learning things they never imagined they would. What once seemed impossible eventually becomes routine, all because love gives you the courage to keep showing up.

Today I’m simply grateful. Grateful for the surgeons, nurses, doctors and every medical advancement that made this possible. Most of all, I’m grateful that my sweet boy has a safe way to be fed.

Happy 1st PEG-versary, my brave boy. 💚 Here’s to the tiny button that has made such an enormous difference in your life. We love you more than words could ever say. 🫶🏼❤️

01/08/2026

I remember taking videos of Grayson in NICU and sitting at night watching them over and over while pumping. A year later I find myself doing the same thing while my boy is in ICU 💚🎗️

30/07/2026

Sometimes I sit beside Grayson’s hospital bed and wonder how someone so little can carry so much.
He’s only one year old.
He doesn’t know what cancer is. He doesn’t understand why doctors and nurses wake him throughout the night, why there are needles, machines, and alarms, or why so much of his life has been spent in hospital rooms instead of playgrounds.
He just knows how to smile.
He knows that Daddy throwing him gently into the air is the funniest thing in the world. He knows that Mommy’s kisses on his cheeks make him grin and that if someone plays BINGO, he’ll wriggle with excitement.
That’s who Grayson is.
But behind those smiles is a little boy fighting battles that most adults couldn’t imagine.
Grayson is battling liver cancer. He is currently in ICU after developing severe breathing difficulties and acidosis during his third cycle of chemotherapy. Every cycle seems to become more difficult than the one before, and every day we pray that his tiny body will be strong enough to keep fighting.
Cancer isn’t his only challenge.
Grayson also has cerebral palsy, hearing loss, an unknown genetic syndrome, scoliosis, delayed development, and severe jaw abnormalities that make it impossible for him to eat by mouth. He relies entirely on a feeding tube and has now been placed on a permanent feeding pump for the foreseeable future.
We are incredibly grateful to have medical aid, but many of the things keeping Grayson alive simply aren’t covered.
Every month we need to find over R21,000 for his nurse, specialised formula, feeding pump, pump sets and other essential medical supplies. We are also trying to raise funds for overseas genetic testing that may finally give us answers about the condition he has lived with since birth.
As parents, we never imagined we would have to ask for help like this.
But today, we are.
If you are able to donate—it will go directly towards Grayson’s care and help us continue giving him everything he needs to keep fighting. If donating isn’t possible, sharing this post could help it reach someone who is able to help.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with our boy 💙
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/grayson-thompson

25/11/2025

Hi everyone 💙

I wanted to share that I’ll be taking a short mental health break. I promise I’ll be back soon — but right now, I need to focus on myself for a bit.

Being a Tubie parent is one of the most rewarding journeys, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. It’s so important to recognise the signs of depression, anxiety, and emotional burnout… and to give yourself permission to pause when you need it. 💛

Thank you for your understanding, kindness, and continued support. I appreciate this community more than you know, and I can’t wait to return with a full heart and a rested mind.

Take care of yourselves too — your mental health matters. 💙🩵

— Joy 💜

24/11/2025

🌟 Tube-Fed Kids: Truth vs Myth 🌟
Tube-fed children deserve understanding, not assumptions. This carousel breaks down common myths and shines a light on the strength, resilience and joy of our little tubies. Every child’s journey is different — but every journey deserves dignity and support.

Photos of Pippa are shared with permission and credited to 🤍

Let’s educate, encourage and uplift families walking this path.

22/11/2025

💚 Brian’s Story: The G-Tube Chapter & Growth (Part 2) 💚
When Brian received his G-tube, everything changed. What once felt scary became a tool of freedom — giving him strength, stability, and the ability to thrive.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where Brian faces one of his biggest challenges yet.

21/11/2025

✨ When you pass through the waters ✨
The Tubie journey can feel overwhelming, but God promises to walk with you through every challenge. 💜 The rivers will not sweep you away—His strength will carry you through. 🌟

Share this post to remind another Tubie parent that God is with them in every moment. 💜

💜👶🌟

20/11/2025

📖 Diary Entry – 16 July 2025
Today was a mix of hope and uncertainty. Grayson came off oxygen, and seeing his little face without extra tubes felt like fresh air for my heart. Feeding is still a big struggle, and with no diagnosis yet, we’re learning to take things one day at a time. Thank you for every message, prayer, and bit of support — it carries us more than you know. 💙
Every Tubie journey matters. If you feel called to, share yours with us.

19/11/2025

🍼✨ Choosing the Right Formula ✨🍼

Finding the right tube-feeding formula isn’t always straightforward — it’s a journey guided by your medical team and shaped by your child’s unique needs. From allergies to growth to comfort, every detail matters.

Remember, you don’t have to walk this path alone — one formula at a time, you’re doing your best to nourish your little warrior. 💙

📸 Photographs of Jackson by

18/11/2025

Now, it’s your turn to share your journey. 🌿 Whether your story is long or short, detailed or simple — it matters. Your voice might be the encouragement another family desperately needs today.

Here’s how to share:
💌 Send your story via DM (as short or long as you’d like).
📸 Add any photos you want — dates help so much!
📝 I’ll send you the final draft before posting so you’re 100% comfortable.
💬 Need help getting started? I’ll send prompts or topics to guide you.
🧡 You can stay anonymous or use an alias if that feels better.

Your journey is powerful. Your voice brings hope.
Let’s keep building this beautiful together! 🌈

Tag or share this post with a tubie family who deserves to be celebrated 💫

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