May 1, 2025 • 11 mins
Sparta native and high schooler Griffin Gullekson and his father Jeff join the show to discuss his victorious battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and how basketball helped him win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
There's too many negative stories in the world today. We
(00:02):
gravitate toward the negatives for some reason or another. That's
why it's refreshing to get a story like this about
Griffin Gullickson, one of the bravest young people you will
ever meet, and his father Jeff, who has influenced him
in a number of ways, with his loving family, and
both of them join us here on ex'es and Bros.
Griffin has bounced back after twelve rounds of chemo therapy
(00:27):
from a cancer called bufoma, and he has been inspirational
to many, including many in our audience as well. Griffin,
good morning to you. How are you good?
Speaker 2 (00:36):
How about you?
Speaker 1 (00:37):
I'm doing fine, Thanks very much. How challenging was this
time in your life as you try to fight through
the chemo therapy to stay involved in the sport that
you love most basketball.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Definitely the most challenging moment in my life. It was
really hard going through all that and just having to
give up basketball for a while.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Jeff, your son is inspiring to so many. The strength
is incredible. What did you notice in your son that
has helped shape you differently moving forward as he fought
through this ordeal with such bravery.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, thank you. There were multiple things that I noticed
through this entire journey. Right up front was just his
thoughtfulness of wanting to lift others up and putting others first.
He was concerned about others. And we watched him as
the chemo treatments progressed through the twelve rounds that he
(01:35):
had gone through. At first, I mean, he was out there,
he was fighting, He was still participating, going to school
every day throughout the week. His basketball coach as JV coach,
was up at the hospital after the diagnosis, said he
could be a part of the team in any manner.
He actually was playing in the games through the first
(01:56):
part of the season through Christmas break he was diagnosed
in September and participating fully in practice. And I was
just blown away out his toughness after coming through these
chemo therapy sessions, having some challenges during these sessions, even
anaphylactic responses to the chemo therapy. I'm having to switch
(02:16):
to another that had a little bit more of adverse
events or side effects, and still watching him try to
push through this and getting into the later round, Matt,
it was difficult to see how it had taken a
toll on his body in emotions, He's still trying to
lift others up.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
It's an amazing story. Griffin. What do you love most
about basketball and what has it taught you that helped
perhaps get you through such an ordeal that most people
probably wouldn't have the wherewithal to handle.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
I mean, my favorite thing about basketball is tepinely the
teamwork that it involves, and then it helped me get
through that and knowing that I have a team from
my old school and my new school that's always going
to be supporting me through this.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
You go to Lindsay Hunter, or you connect with Lindsay
Hunter who's a good friend of mine and his son,
and you devise your own AAU team. What kind of
therapy was that for you?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
I mean it helped a lot. I mean I don't
really know how to explain it, but it helped.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
So Dad, tell me this, Jeff, how did you reach
out to Lindsay And what was that conversation? Like? It
had to be emotional for.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
You very much. So that started when Griffin was initially diagnosed.
I played small college basketball at cn Ice University bus
to play for a Hall of Fame coach Bred Smith
reached out to multiple teammates to ground myself. One in particular,
Myron Gray. He was connected. You have family members in
(03:56):
the league, and he wanted to do something more, so
he connected us with the Hunters and from there, I mean,
it was just an incredible acceptance. So we felt a
part of the family, and they wanted to make trips
over here. They wanted to embrace Griffin, they wanted to
support them, and it's just grown from there. It's incredible
(04:17):
how they've adopted the school and Sparta over here, our
family and the community. It's remarkable.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
Jeff and Griffin Gullicks and joining us here on Exus
and Bros. Griffin having to deal with twelve rounds of
chemotherapy but helping build his own AAU team worked with
Caleb Hunter beat cancer, and the Hunters recently hosted an
elite skills camp at Sparta High School, with Griffin being
part of that. Griffin, when you see how this changes
(04:49):
not just your life but other people's life, how does
it make you feel your.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Story feel great and makes me feel really great?
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Jeff, we can always learn from our kids, right. I
think there's too many times where we we think that
because we're the parent We've got to be the person
who educates you all the time. What have you learned
from your son that is going to help you for
the rest of your life.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
The inspiration, the fight that he had, and when I
say fight, I mean you hear that all the time
when we get cancer. But I got to witness that
right up front, and resiliency that comes through it, because
it was difficult to see him, not just during the
chemo therapy sessions, I mean the days after and the
weeks after, and he still continued on, wanted to participate
(05:41):
as much as he could and all the events and
activities that he loved, and to see him lay down afterwards.
I mean I remember the Lions game in the playoffs,
and I mean it was upsetting to most and everybody
was so hyped up with this season and it was
difficult to watch. Griffin wanted to game on, but he
was leaning over the bed for the entire game, eating
(06:04):
about one hundred calories a day. We're having to be
called the children's hospital multiple times, just concerned with them.
And he's still pushing on and wanting to, you know,
be around friends, wanting to be around the basketball and
he couldn't play anymore. The coach invited him to sit
on the bench. As weak as he was, he would
(06:24):
still try to make it to those games. If he
couldn't make it. We were watching him online and seeing that.
It's changed me. It changed my perspective. I thought I
was tough in certain situations. I don't know how he
did it, and he did and now to see him
sitting here, it's just incredible.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Yeah, I don't know how. I don't know how he
did it either. Because your story is emotional, I would
think for everybody, including yours, truly, Griffin went with basketball
and the closeness that you have with your friends. What
were those conversation excuse me, what were those conversations like
with your friends and why you were doing it and
how they were helping you and how you were helping them.
(07:08):
How did you feel you helping them and vice versa?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
I think right now, So, how did you feel when
you approach your team and you and you wanted to
invite them to be a part of the team. What
does that mean?
Speaker 2 (07:26):
I mean, I felt really excited for that.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Did that comfort you when you have people to talk to?
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:32):
It did? Well.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Those can be you know, challenging conversations. How open were
you with your friends and how much did they want
to know about your condition and how they could help.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I was pretty open with them, but they were too
like nosy about it. They just were there for me,
telling me I got this that you're going to put
sure this.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
You're a You're a big Pistons fans, right, Griffin, you're
a big Pistons fan. You've watched this playoff series. What
have you noticed most about the Pistons fight? Similar to
your fight against the Knicks, when a lot of people
didn't think they could do what they've done so far.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
They just kept pushing through.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Even though they've lost their games, they're still going to
come back and win in seven.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Pretty confident then, huh yeah, Hey, just before we let
you go, Jeff, what's Lindsay Hunter meant to you? I mean,
have you guys established a nice relationship moving forward and
been able to help one another and lean on one
another a little bit? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Man, it's beyond just a relationship now. I mean we
truly feel a part of the family with Lindsay and Caleb.
We're on the phone almost every day, whether it's on
texting or phone calls. They're wanting to know how Griffin's feeling.
He just had a surgery on Tuesday. They get his
port removed, they want updates, They're excited to see him.
(09:00):
When they came to I mean they're coming to Sparta
and I have to let you know. I mean the
camp starting eight coaches, their meeting at seven o'clock. They
didn't come say the night in the Grand Rapids. They
left Detroit at four in the morning to be here.
I did a camp all day at three until three,
and then they left for their other teams who had
(09:20):
games on the east side of State down to Waterford
for seven pm games. That's just the type of dedication,
the passion, and just I use the word embrace. And
it's not just only us. They're showing it to the
Sparta schools, the community West Michigan, and I'm just I'm
blown away. I've never had a relationship with an NBA player,
(09:40):
but I don't consider I mean, I see him as
Lindsay Hunter, mister Hunter and Caleb.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Yeah, he's a good man. Really, he's a really good man.
Obviously you are too, Jeff. All the strength and all
the love and all the prayers. God love you, you
and your family. I know this has changed your life.
His story has changed many lives and it will continue
to do that. Keep spreading that word. Griffin. All the
(10:07):
best to you, my friend, and thanks for being a
difference maker in this world, not just for West Michigan,
not for the state of Michigan, for everybody. All the
best to your good health to you and good luck
the rest of the way. Thank you for your taking
time today.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
Thank you too. Yeah, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
On that absolutely anytime. That's Griffin and Jeff Gullison. What
a story. So yeah. As a father, I can't imagine
what Jeff went through. Griffin Gallixen might be one of
(10:44):
the strongest people you've ever met. To have that perspective
when you feel like you've been cheated, when you feel
like you got thrown or dealt a bad hand. I
want you to do me a favor, and I want
you to think of Griffin Gullixen. Then I want you
to think of Jeff Gullickson and think of their perspective
(11:05):
and their appreciation for every day the little things in life.
It's worth noting special people. Glad we were able to
get him on. It's a great job. By Trent bally
Our producer
There's too many negative stories in the world today. We
(00:02):
gravitate toward the negatives for some reason or another. That's
why it's refreshing to get a story like this about
Griffin Gullickson, one of the bravest young people you will
ever meet, and his father Jeff, who has influenced him
in a number of ways, with his loving family, and
both of them join us here on ex'es and Bros.
Griffin has bounced back after twelve rounds of chemo therapy
(00:27):
from a cancer called bufoma, and he has been inspirational
to many, including many in our audience as well. Griffin,
good morning to you. How are you good?
Speaker 2 (00:36):
How about you?
Speaker 1 (00:37):
I'm doing fine, Thanks very much. How challenging was this
time in your life as you try to fight through
the chemo therapy to stay involved in the sport that
you love most basketball.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Definitely the most challenging moment in my life. It was
really hard going through all that and just having to
give up basketball for a while.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Jeff, your son is inspiring to so many. The strength
is incredible. What did you notice in your son that
has helped shape you differently moving forward as he fought
through this ordeal with such bravery.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, thank you. There were multiple things that I noticed
through this entire journey. Right up front was just his
thoughtfulness of wanting to lift others up and putting others first.
He was concerned about others. And we watched him as
the chemo treatments progressed through the twelve rounds that he
(01:35):
had gone through. At first, I mean, he was out there,
he was fighting, He was still participating, going to school
every day throughout the week. His basketball coach as JV coach,
was up at the hospital after the diagnosis, said he
could be a part of the team in any manner.
He actually was playing in the games through the first
(01:56):
part of the season through Christmas break he was diagnosed
in September and participating fully in practice. And I was
just blown away out his toughness after coming through these
chemo therapy sessions, having some challenges during these sessions, even
anaphylactic responses to the chemo therapy. I'm having to switch
(02:16):
to another that had a little bit more of adverse
events or side effects, and still watching him try to
push through this and getting into the later round, Matt,
it was difficult to see how it had taken a
toll on his body in emotions, He's still trying to
lift others up.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
It's an amazing story. Griffin. What do you love most
about basketball and what has it taught you that helped
perhaps get you through such an ordeal that most people
probably wouldn't have the wherewithal to handle.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
I mean, my favorite thing about basketball is tepinely the
teamwork that it involves, and then it helped me get
through that and knowing that I have a team from
my old school and my new school that's always going
to be supporting me through this.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
You go to Lindsay Hunter, or you connect with Lindsay
Hunter who's a good friend of mine and his son,
and you devise your own AAU team. What kind of
therapy was that for you?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
I mean it helped a lot. I mean I don't
really know how to explain it, but it helped.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
So Dad, tell me this, Jeff, how did you reach
out to Lindsay And what was that conversation? Like? It
had to be emotional for.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
You very much. So that started when Griffin was initially diagnosed.
I played small college basketball at cn Ice University bus
to play for a Hall of Fame coach Bred Smith
reached out to multiple teammates to ground myself. One in particular,
Myron Gray. He was connected. You have family members in
(03:56):
the league, and he wanted to do something more, so
he connected us with the Hunters and from there, I mean,
it was just an incredible acceptance. So we felt a
part of the family, and they wanted to make trips
over here. They wanted to embrace Griffin, they wanted to
support them, and it's just grown from there. It's incredible
(04:17):
how they've adopted the school and Sparta over here, our
family and the community. It's remarkable.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
Jeff and Griffin Gullicks and joining us here on Exus
and Bros. Griffin having to deal with twelve rounds of
chemotherapy but helping build his own AAU team worked with
Caleb Hunter beat cancer, and the Hunters recently hosted an
elite skills camp at Sparta High School, with Griffin being
part of that. Griffin, when you see how this changes
(04:49):
not just your life but other people's life, how does
it make you feel your.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Story feel great and makes me feel really great?
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Jeff, we can always learn from our kids, right. I
think there's too many times where we we think that
because we're the parent We've got to be the person
who educates you all the time. What have you learned
from your son that is going to help you for
the rest of your life.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
The inspiration, the fight that he had, and when I
say fight, I mean you hear that all the time
when we get cancer. But I got to witness that
right up front, and resiliency that comes through it, because
it was difficult to see him, not just during the
chemo therapy sessions, I mean the days after and the
weeks after, and he still continued on, wanted to participate
(05:41):
as much as he could and all the events and
activities that he loved, and to see him lay down afterwards.
I mean I remember the Lions game in the playoffs,
and I mean it was upsetting to most and everybody
was so hyped up with this season and it was
difficult to watch. Griffin wanted to game on, but he
was leaning over the bed for the entire game, eating
(06:04):
about one hundred calories a day. We're having to be
called the children's hospital multiple times, just concerned with them.
And he's still pushing on and wanting to, you know,
be around friends, wanting to be around the basketball and
he couldn't play anymore. The coach invited him to sit
on the bench. As weak as he was, he would
(06:24):
still try to make it to those games. If he
couldn't make it. We were watching him online and seeing that.
It's changed me. It changed my perspective. I thought I
was tough in certain situations. I don't know how he
did it, and he did and now to see him
sitting here, it's just incredible.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Yeah, I don't know how. I don't know how he
did it either. Because your story is emotional, I would
think for everybody, including yours, truly, Griffin went with basketball
and the closeness that you have with your friends. What
were those conversation excuse me, what were those conversations like
with your friends and why you were doing it and
how they were helping you and how you were helping them.
(07:08):
How did you feel you helping them and vice versa?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
I think right now, So, how did you feel when
you approach your team and you and you wanted to
invite them to be a part of the team. What
does that mean?
Speaker 2 (07:26):
I mean, I felt really excited for that.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Did that comfort you when you have people to talk to?
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:32):
It did? Well.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Those can be you know, challenging conversations. How open were
you with your friends and how much did they want
to know about your condition and how they could help.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I was pretty open with them, but they were too
like nosy about it. They just were there for me,
telling me I got this that you're going to put
sure this.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
You're a You're a big Pistons fans, right, Griffin, you're
a big Pistons fan. You've watched this playoff series. What
have you noticed most about the Pistons fight? Similar to
your fight against the Knicks, when a lot of people
didn't think they could do what they've done so far.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
They just kept pushing through.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Even though they've lost their games, they're still going to
come back and win in seven.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Pretty confident then, huh yeah, Hey, just before we let
you go, Jeff, what's Lindsay Hunter meant to you? I mean,
have you guys established a nice relationship moving forward and
been able to help one another and lean on one
another a little bit? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Man, it's beyond just a relationship now. I mean we
truly feel a part of the family with Lindsay and Caleb.
We're on the phone almost every day, whether it's on
texting or phone calls. They're wanting to know how Griffin's feeling.
He just had a surgery on Tuesday. They get his
port removed, they want updates, They're excited to see him.
(09:00):
When they came to I mean they're coming to Sparta
and I have to let you know. I mean the
camp starting eight coaches, their meeting at seven o'clock. They
didn't come say the night in the Grand Rapids. They
left Detroit at four in the morning to be here.
I did a camp all day at three until three,
and then they left for their other teams who had
(09:20):
games on the east side of State down to Waterford
for seven pm games. That's just the type of dedication,
the passion, and just I use the word embrace. And
it's not just only us. They're showing it to the
Sparta schools, the community West Michigan, and I'm just I'm
blown away. I've never had a relationship with an NBA player,
(09:40):
but I don't consider I mean, I see him as
Lindsay Hunter, mister Hunter and Caleb.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Yeah, he's a good man. Really, he's a really good man.
Obviously you are too, Jeff. All the strength and all
the love and all the prayers. God love you, you
and your family. I know this has changed your life.
His story has changed many lives and it will continue
to do that. Keep spreading that word. Griffin. All the
(10:07):
best to you, my friend, and thanks for being a
difference maker in this world, not just for West Michigan,
not for the state of Michigan, for everybody. All the
best to your good health to you and good luck
the rest of the way. Thank you for your taking
time today.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
Thank you too. Yeah, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
On that absolutely anytime. That's Griffin and Jeff Gullison. What
a story. So yeah. As a father, I can't imagine
what Jeff went through. Griffin Gallixen might be one of
(10:44):
the strongest people you've ever met. To have that perspective
when you feel like you've been cheated, when you feel
like you got thrown or dealt a bad hand. I
want you to do me a favor, and I want
you to think of Griffin Gullixen. Then I want you
to think of Jeff Gullickson and think of their perspective
(11:05):
and their appreciation for every day the little things in life.
It's worth noting special people. Glad we were able to
get him on. It's a great job. By Trent bally
Our producer
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!