Teeing Off Fore Grant: Ramona Community Rallies Behind Local Boy Battling Leukemia

At just 11 years old, Grant Carlson has faced challenges no child should ever have to endure. Diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in July 2024, Grant’s journey took an unexpected and devastating turn in May 2025, when severe chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity caused a brain injury that left him unable to walk, speak or eat normally.

Through months of rehabilitation, determination and an extraordinary amount of courage, Grant has fought to regain many of the abilities he lost. While he continues to face challenges from both leukemia and the effects of his treatment, his family and the Ramona community remain steadfastly behind him.

On Friday, November 6, the community will have another opportunity to show its support during the second annual Teeing Off Fore Grant Golf Tournament at San Vicente Golf Resort in Ramona.

Jessica Carlson, Grant’s mother, said the tournament began last year to bring people together to support Grant and his family during his cancer journey. Following the tremendous turnout and generosity of the community, the family decided to make it an annual event.

“Our goal with Teeing Off Fore Grant is to bring hope and tangible support to Grant as he continues fighting cancer,” Jessica said.

Despite the difficult road he has traveled, Grant remains a fun-loving 11-year-old with plenty of interests. He loves baseball, the San Diego Padres, his three dogs, animals of all kinds, gaming and spending time with family and friends. He has even talked about becoming a pediatric oncologist someday so he can help other children fighting cancer.

The funds raised through the tournament will help support Grant’s ongoing needs. After tournament expenses, proceeds will go toward medical and travel expenses, along with the therapies that remain important to his neurological recovery.

Grant has already endured more than two years of fighting cancer and has at least another year of treatment ahead. Although he has made significant progress, his family says the physical, emotional and financial challenges continue beyond hospital stays.

For the Carlson family, the tournament represents more than financial assistance. It is also a reminder that their community continues to stand beside them.

“I honestly don't know where we would be without our community,” Jessica said. “From the very beginning, Ramona and the surrounding communities have wrapped their arms around Grant and our entire family in ways we never could have imagined.”

The family has received meals, donations, fundraisers, prayers and messages of encouragement, along with support from local businesses, families, friends and people who have never even met Grant.

“Ramona truly is something special, and we're so proud to call this community home,” Jessica said.

The November 6 tournament will include breakfast and lunch, along with a putting contest, contest-hole prizes and awards for the first-place foursome. During lunch, organizers will recognize sponsors and participants and announce the raffle and silent auction winners.

The silent auction and raffle will feature a variety of items donated by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Planned offerings include golf-related merchandise, themed gift baskets, gift cards and other prizes. Organizers are continuing to accept donations and welcome items or experiences that can help make the event a success.

Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, and community members can participate by golfing, sponsoring the tournament, donating an auction or raffle item, or simply sharing information about the event.

Looking ahead, the family hopes to grow the tournament into an opportunity to help other families facing childhood cancer and similarly life-changing challenges.

“We know firsthand how overwhelming this journey can be, and we would love nothing more than to pay forward some of the incredible generosity we've received,” Jessica said.

Grant’s attendance at this year’s tournament will depend on his health and the recommendations of his medical team. His family hopes he will be able to attend and experience the community’s support firsthand.

“Teeing Off Fore Grant is about so much more than golf,” Jessica said. “It's about bringing people together, celebrating how far Grant has come, supporting him through the challenges he continues to face, and showing him just how many people are standing behind him.”

The second annual Teeing Off Fore Grant Golf Tournament will take place Friday, November 6, at San Vicente Golf Resort in Ramona.



For registration, sponsorship opportunities and additional information, visit Fore-Grant.com. To learn more about Grant’s journey, follow GrantsTALLBattle on Instagram. Those interested in donating raffle or silent auction items can contact organizers at grantstallbattle@gmail.com.