Life recently took a radical detour for 13-year-old Collin Griffin, and now the Tecumseh Middle School student is squaring off to fight a menacing foe that is threatening his young life.

In March, a doctor examined a growing lump in Collin’s neck. Before long, Collin was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Since then, the 13-year-old has been fighting for his life against the extremely rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Rhabdomyosarcoma is so rare, only about 350 new cases of the cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. This accounts for only 3% of all childhood cancers (American Cancer Society).

“We are in this for the fight!” declares Collin’s parents, Erin and Robert Griffin. Collin’s family also includes his sister, Kierstin Diller (18), and two brothers, Austin Diller (20) and Coltin Griffin (10).

Collin’s fight is intense. It will include 54 weeks of chemotherapy treatments, 25 sessions of radiation treatment, and innumerable hospital stays at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati.

Collin has already undergone a surgical procedure to get a biopsy of the tumor in his neck.

Erin says despite the shock of the diagnosis and the scary new challenges he now faces, her son has not lost his zest for life and continues to be a “typical boy.”

“Collin has always been a social butterfly. He loves hanging out with his friends and family and he still does that. He also loves music. He keeps growing too! Collin is only 13, but he is already 6 feet tall and wears a size 14 shoe! My son also has a wonderful sense of humor, which he is using to help everyone get through everything he’s facing right now.”

Collin loves football too, and he has played the sport since he was old enough to join the Park Layne Wee Arrows. During the 2016 season Collin supported his Tecumseh Middle School team in the Left Tackle position.

Now, as Collin digs in for the fight of his life, friends and community members have rallied around him and his family in a strong show of support. His siblings began a GoFundMe page on April 1 with the goal of raising $20,000 to help pay for Collin’s mounting medical and travel expenses. As of April 23, over $14,451 has been donated.

Collin’s mother says the family has been astonished at the support the family has received during a most difficult journey.

“We are beyond appreciative of the support from everyone, it has truly touched our hearts. The GoFundMe account set up by our older two children has amazed us. The emotional and financial support is allowing our family to be with Collin and help him fight through this...We would like to say thank you to everyone for all that they are doing for our family and for loving Collin as much as we do.”

For more information about Collin’s fight and other fundraising activities, visit the #CollinStrong Facebook page. Those wishing to contribute towards Collin Griffin’s GoFundMe account should search for “#CollinStrong by Austin Diller” to make sure the donation is going to the right family. Collin’s mother will be controlling the funds as they are made available.

• Skateworld of Vandalia, 333 South Brown School Road, is the site for the “Skate Strong for Collin” event on Saturday, April 29th from 5:30 to 7:30. Admission is $3 per person plus $3 for skate rental. Raffles, a 50/50 drawing, skating, and more are planned for the evening.
• A spaghetti dinner will be held at Tecumseh Middle School on Friday, May 5th from 5:00 to 8:00. The cost of the meal (which includes spaghetti, salad, dinner roll, dessert, and a drink) is $10 for those 11 and older and $5 for those 10 and under.