Lost Her Son but He Saved Lives

Host Ty Gipson is joined by special guest Krista Spring to discuss her personal journey of overcoming challenges and channeling adversity into action.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Krista Spring: Krista, married to Gary with three sons – Grant, Garrison, and Graylan – shares her story. While her husband Gary was a college quarterback, Krista was noted as the athlete in the family, excelling as a track star and cheerleader.
• A Mother's Worst Nightmare: Krista recounts the devastating phone call she received on Good Friday, informing her that her son, Graylan, had been in a severe car accident and airlifted to Conroe Trauma Center. Graylan was a passenger in a car that collided with an 18-wheeler, sustaining blunt force trauma to the head. Despite initial brainstem activity, Graylan was sadly declared brain dead on January 21st, 2023.
• The Spirit of Graylan: Learn about Graylan's incredible personality and impact on those around him. He was known for his jovial nature, always brightening people's days, never in a bad mood, and genuinely kind and considerate. Graylan was a great athlete and student who cared deeply for others, often befriending those who were alone or mistreated, and having no tolerance for bullying. He is described as "a walking bright light of joy".
• Graylan's Ultimate Gift: Organ Donation: Immediately after Graylan was declared brain dead, his parents, Gary and Krista, considered organ donation. They soon learned that Graylan had already made the decision to be an organ donor when renewing his driver's license at 18, understanding how his tissues and organs could help others. This decision, made by Graylan himself, significantly eased the family's burden. His selfless act has since saved multiple lives and significantly bettered many more, embodying his spirit of helping people. Organ donation is highlighted as the "ultimate gift".
• The Graylan Spring Foundation: In honor of Graylan's passion for D1 college football at Stephen F. Austin (SFA), Krista and Gary established the Grayland Spring Foundation.
  • Mission: To keep Graylan's memory alive by helping those walking in his footsteps.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • An endowment scholarship at SFA, including the "Graylan Spring Live like Graylan award" for a student athlete.
    • Awarded 27 scholarships to students in their local community and the SFA community.
    • Supports various groups like Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Coalition of Christian Athletes (CCA), YMSLs, and sports teams.
  • Focus on Organ Donation Awareness in Austin: Krista discovered a lack of organ donation resources in the Austin area compared to Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. A core mission of the foundation is now to educate and encourage everyone to become an organ donor.
  • Dream Project: Krista envisions creating "Graylan's Place", a house near the new UT hospital downtown's abdominal transplant wing in Austin. This facility would offer rehab, accommodation, resources, and counseling for organ donors, recipients, and their families.
• Second Annual Graylan Spring Foundation Golf Tournament and Social:
  • Website/Registration Launch: Coming soon, described as "Monday".
  • Social Event: Sunday, June 1st, at The Oasis (Starlight Terrace room) overlooking Lake Travis. Features a dinner buffet, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment by Josh Weathers.
  • Golf Tournament: Monday, June 2nd, at Riverplace Country Club.
  • Funds raised from this event primarily support scholarships and building awareness for organ donation.
• Get Involved:
  • Website: For more information and to get involved, visit www.graylandspring.com.
  • Email: You can also contact Krista directly at [email protected].
  • Ty Gipson encourages businesses and individuals to sponsor the event and support the Graylan Spring Foundation, emphasizing its impactful work in helping people.

About the Host, Ty Gipson: Ty Gipson is an entrepreneur, a relentless survivor who overcame three transplants for juvenile diabetes, and a powerhouse speaker. He built thriving businesses based on his "no options" mantra, inspiring audiences with real-world resilience and over 30 years of sales mastery. To book Ty Gipson as a speaker, call 512-944-4780 or visit tygibson.com.

Connect with Ty Gipson:

• Find more stories, resources, and ways to connect at tygipson.com (Gipson with a "p").
• Ty Gipson is an entrepreneur, relentless survivor, and powerhouse speaker.
• He transforms adversity into action and ignites audiences with real-world resilience and over 30 years of sales mastery.
• To book Ty Gipson as a speaker, call 512-944-4780 or visit tygipson.com.
• Remember, "your story isn't over yet. If you live like you have no options, I'll see you next time".

To book Ty Gipson as your next inspiring keynote speaker, click here!

produced by Fresh Media Works http://www.freshmediaworks.com