Louisville native travels the world as Shriners Children's international ambassador

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the past year, a Shriners Children's patient from Kentucky traveled the world as an international ambassador.

Grayson, whose last name wasn't shared, was born missing his femur bone and hip socket. He came to Shriners Children's as a one-year-old. During his 20 years of care in Lexington, he ended up having to have an amputation and more than a dozen prosthetics.

Last year, Grayson started his journey as an International Patient Ambassador for the nonprofit health care system. The Louisville native was one of two International Patient Ambassadors selected from thousands across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to represent Shriners Children's during 2024-25.

Grayson traveled to two countries and 12 states, sharing his experiences with Shriners Children's.

“It was such an impactful year as an International Patient Ambassador,” Grayson said in a news release. “I had the opportunity to connect with so many patients, and I encouraged them to keep pushing toward their goals, no matter their differences, just like I kept pushing. For me to enter the Shriners Children’s system so young and then to leave it as a 'spokespatient' is surreal. Over this past year, I learned how many lives Shriners Children’s truly touches.”

Grayson attended the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl. He also made an appearance at the NASCAR Shriners Children's 500.

“It’s hard to put into words what it was all like,” Grayson said. “The Rose Parade is one of the most watched events in the world, and I grew up watching it, so that was an incredible experience to actually be in it. During all these events, I started building a community I would have never had if it weren’t for being an IPA. When I went to the ski camp in Utah, I got to be a mentor to patients who have limb differences like mine. They asked me questions about my leg and how I do different things in my life. It was cool to grow close to them and let them know my experiences.”

Grayson will soon start his senior year at Harding University, where he is studying construction management. He will also serve as the student body president.

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