CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLE, NOW) – Grayson Smith emerged from the black Suburban with a smile on his face as dozens of motorcycles parked at Appleton Harley-Davidson welcomed him to Clarksville with a cacophony of motorcycle engines revving.
The loud noise is Grayson’s favorite thing about motorcycles and part of the reason why seeing a “bunch of motorcycles” was on his ‘before surgery bucket list’.
Bikers Who Care, a local organization of biker enthusiasts who dedicate their time to charitable efforts for children, worked to help Grayson check that wish off the list.
Grayson didn’t know he would receive his wish as he and his parents, Kendyl and Jennifer Smith, made a pitstop for gas in Clarksville. They were traveling from Alabama to St. Louis for his pre-surgery appointments.
Grayson was born with a one-of-a-kind genetic disorder and has undergone 37 surgeries in his short life. He continues to defy odds as doctors did not expect him to make it to his first birthday. His spine is now curved in a way that is crushing his lungs, stomach and other organs, and he needs surgery to alleviate his pain and save his life.
Diana Moore, a friend of Grayson’s mom and Clarksville resident who follows Grayson’s story on Facebook, reached out to BWC and the call went out. Bikers came in droves to be apart of the surprise.
Grayson noticed a handful of motorcycles at the gas station. He didn’t know they were escorting his family to a bigger motorcycle surprise.
As they left the gas station Grayson noticed the motorcycles in front of them and wondered where they were going and was intrigued.
When they pulled up to the roar of engines at Appleton Harley-Davidson, Jennifer was overcome with emotion as a huge smile spread across Grayson’s face.
“We didn’t expect this incredible turnout,” she said. “We are so grateful and blessed. I’m truly speechless.”
Dozens of motorcycles lined the parking lot of Appleton Harley-Davidson to welcome the Smith family to town and let Grason experience ‘a bunch of motorcycles.’ He was able to talk to the bikers, and even had the opportunity to sit on a shiny motorcycle. It was red his favorite color.
The family received support and encouragement from BWC members and were given a monetary gift and multiple gifts for Grayson.
For just a moment, the stress of what lay ahead was behind them as they saw a community hundreds of miles from home embrace them completely.
“The support we get for Grayson are people we don’t personally live by,” Jennifer Smith said. “We live in a small town and the population is like 409. To see this happen to this magnitude, we were not expecting it. So many took off work for Grayson and it really touched my heart.”