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A 12-year-old boy battling brain cancer gets the chance to play under the Friday night lights

Posted at 11:18 PM, Oct 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-08 00:03:29-04

A 12-year-old boy with the mind of a genius is battling brain cancer.  The cancer could take away his intelligence and it’s already taken away his ability to play sports.

The community in Clinton is standing by Braylon Griggs while he goes through this battle. 

On Friday, during the varsity football game, Braylon was able to run in a touchdown before the game started.

His mother said it was an amazing opportunity for him.  

She said his inability to play sports has been difficult for him, but the biggest concern has been about what could happen to his mind.

"That's one of the things that worries me, he is so smart, this is right smack dab in the middle of his brain and they literally can't do anything, otherwise it will cause brain damage,” said Braylon’s mom, Jennifer Abraham.

Braylon is also living with Aspergers, which makes events like the football game tough for him.
 
"He was very nervous, being in front of people and crowds. This is very difficult for him,” said Abraham.

Braylon also didn’t appear comfortable with the camera and when we asked him what though about the touchdown run, his answer was simple: "I think it was OK."

"I did not expect it to be as short running as that,” said Braylon Griggs.

"There's no filter, he tells it as it is,” his mom said laughing.

Friday was about more than running in a touchdown pass.

Braylon was presented with the game football and his family was given a check for his medical expenses.

"That's the great thing about this small community, it's just supporting each other. We want to show Braylon how much we support him,” said Casey Randolph, the Athletic Director with Clinton High School.

"It was a chance of a lifetime and he'll never get this opportunity again, so we're very grateful he was able to do this,” said Abraham.

You can find more about Braylon here on his Facebook page.