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As a toddler, Grant Coursey was diagnosed with neuroblastoma — a cancer often found in young children.
A tumor was wrapped around his spinal cord and pushing against his lungs.
It took three surgeries — including one that lasted 10 hours — but in March of 2002 doctors declared Grant cancer-free.
At StoryCorps, Grant interviewed his mother, Jennifer, about that time.
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Piece Description
As a toddler, Grant Coursey was diagnosed with neuroblastoma — a cancer often found in young children.
A tumor was wrapped around his spinal cord and pushing against his lungs.
It took three surgeries — including one that lasted 10 hours — but in March of 2002 doctors declared Grant cancer-free.
At StoryCorps, Grant interviewed his mother, Jennifer, about that time.
Broadcast History
NPR's Morning Edition 3/2/12
Transcript
Grant Coursey (GC): So, Mom, when I was diagnosed with cancer, how old was I?
Jennifer Coursey (JC): You were 16 months old. And we actually thought you had asthma because you were wheezing. The doctor said, ‘Well, let’s get a chest x-ray.’ And Papa came over ’cause Papa’s a doctor and his office was right across the way. And as a professional courtesy, the radiologist asked if we’d like to see the images right there and then. So, when they put the images up, things got real quiet in the room. And, uh, Papa gave us a hug. And you know how Papa walks really straight…
GC: Yeah.
JC: …up and down?
GC: Yeah.
JC: He kinda looked like somebody’d kicked him in the gut as he was walking back to his office. And that scared me.
GC: Wow.
JC: And the first time they put you under anesthesia and they put the mask on your face, you really struggled. That’s pretty awful for…
GC: A parent.
JC:...
Read the full transcript
Intro and Outro
INTRO:Time now for StoryCorps.
Today we'll hear from 12-year-old Grant Coursey <
When he was a toddler, Grant was diagnosed with nueroblastoma -- a cancer often found in young children.
A tumor was wrapped around his spinal cord and was pushing against his lungs.
It took three surgeries ... but Grant is now cancer-free.
And he recently sat down to interview his mom, Jennifer, at StoryCorps.
OUTRO:Jennifer Coursey with her 12-year-old son, Grant, at StoryCorps in Ukiah (yook-EYE-ah) California.
It was ten years ago this month that doctors declared Grant cancer-free.
Their conversation will be archived along with all StoryCorps recordings at the Library of Congress.
Musical Works
| Title | Artist | Album | Label | Year | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Spire | Tape | Rideau. | Hapna | 2005 | 00:30 |
Additional Credits
Capella University
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