Jason Gray’s Son Shows Fight: Update on Jacob’s 2nd battle with Cancer

When the Christian music community talks about being family, moments like this reveal what that really means. In 2019, Jason Gray invited fans into one of the most vulnerable chapters of his life when his son Jacob was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Back then, the story ended in celebration.

“When he rang the bell at the end of treatment, we believed that chapter of his life was behind him,” Jason wrote. “He said that during the fight he hadn’t had space to think about the future—but now that he was going to live, he was glad to start imagining the rest of his life.”

That hope carried Jacob through remission. It carried their family forward.

And then, heartbreak returned.

“I’m heartbroken to share that Jacob’s journey has taken a sudden and devastating turn,” Jason shared. “What began as a ‘black eye’ that lingered for months—now swollen to the size of a baseball—led to a biopsy confirming that his ALL has returned. The swelling is officially labeled a tumor and has to be seen to be believed.”

The original GoFundMe was created simply to help cover rent and basic monthly expenses while Jacob was hospitalized. But reality shifted fast. “Things have changed quickly and we’re in a vastly different reality now, with needs—both current and future—far greater than we imagined.”

Jason didn’t shy away from naming the weight of it all. “These ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ treatments are expensive, with no official roadmap or ending—just a lot of hope, crossed fingers, and prayers that Jacob’s body responds to something and we can reach a stable place of healing.”

Still, even in the unknown, the Christian music community showed up.

“So many of you have loved Jacob from a distance and asked about him over the years—at my shows and on social media,” Jason wrote. “So much love, care, and prayers, and many of you even gave financially in his first battle. Thank you…”

Now, Jason is sharing an update that carries hope.

“I got to spend several days with Jacob in WA and am grateful to share some genuinely good news… When he was finally diagnosed in November, his ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) was back with a vengeance,” Jason wrote. “His team put together a treatment plan, which was quickly undone by Jacob’s rapidly deteriorating health… So when we then learned his health was too compromised to undergo it, it felt like a death sentence.”

But the story didn’t stop there.

“For weeks, things moved from bad to worse… then hopeful… then confusing—as his team tried different treatments, hoping something would stick.”

Then, unexpectedly, something did.

“In late December, he improved enough that we were able to get back on track with the original plan. Whew. And that’s where we are now. He continues to respond well, and it truly seems like the tide is turning.” However, the next step is serious and demanding. “In February, he’ll begin CAR T-cell treatment, which will require relocating to Seattle for a couple of months,” Jason shared. “It’s drastic. It complicates his life, his ability to work, and how he pays his bills—but it’s doable. Especially with the help you’ve all so generously given. Truly… thank you.”

The original fundraising goal has already been met, but the road is far from over. The needs are ongoing. The treatments continue. “He could use all of the love, care, prayers, or financial support you can spare.”

Support Jacob and the Gray family here:
👉 Help Jacob Fight Leukemia (Round 2)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jacob-fight-leukemia-round2

And as Jason’s Acoustic Storytime series begins again this with dates rolling out throughout the year, it’s worth remembering how deeply his songs are rooted in moments like this—songs shaped not just by faith, but by endurance.

You can revisit our earlier feature on the series here:
👉 Nashville’s Best Kept Secret: Jason Gray’s Acoustic Storytime
https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/nashvilles-best-kept-secret/