GRAFORD – From basketball teammates to college roommates, Cortney Trammell and Brandi Larson have shared many experiences. About a year and a half ago, Trammell learned she would share another experience with her friend – becoming “teammates fighting cancer.”

Just 10 days after Trammell’s son, McCrae, was born, he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, the same cancer Brandi Larson’s son, Caleb, fought for six months until the battle ended in August 2007, when Caleb was 4.

This year on May 7, Cowboyin’ for the Kids Foundation, the non profit started in 2008 for neuroblastoma research by Caleb Larson’s parents, will hold a trail ride and barbecue honoring McRae and in memory of Caleb at the Holt River Ranch in Graford. The trail ride will begin at 9 a.m. A barbecue lunch of brisket, pulled pork or calf fries will follow the ride.

“This is a family occasion and supports a great cause,” Trammell said.

Cost for the ride is $35 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The price includes the lunch. Lunch is $15 for those not going on the ride. Funds raised go to cancer research.

The ranch is located at 1834 Grassy Ridge Road.

To register go to www.prayformccrae.com. Registration deadline is April 30.

In addition, wagon rides and pony rides for children will be available, along with country music from Myron Mertz and Branded by Grace from Brazos Trails Cowboy Church.

Trammell said when her son – now 17 months old – was first diagnosed with the cancer, she couldn’t believe it. The first person she turned to was Brandi Larson.

She said Larson was very supportive when she and her family received the diagnosis.

It was a shock to hear her son had cancer, she said.

She knew something was wrong with him because his left leg – shorter than the right – wouldn’t move correctly. Also, every time he was changed, he cried when his legs were lifted to remove the diaper.

At first doctors thought McCrae had a pinched nerve, Trammell said. But, she was certain something else was going on and she took him to Cook Children’s Hospital for an ultrasound.

Within moments of the ultrasound, oncology was summoned, she said.

Her son had a tumor pressing on his spine and had to have it removed. Some motor skills since its removal have been slowed and he has struggled with walking.

Neuroblastoma most often forms in the nerve cells of an embryo or fetus and occurs most often in infants and children under 10, according to the American Cancer Society. It can prove a high-risk illness and there is a 50 percent chance it will return within two years after a patient is cancer free.

Currently, McRae shows no evidence of the cancer after frequent scans for it, Trammell said. His next check up is in June.

He is in therapy regularly, she said, and is trying to learn to walk. He shows no signs of developmental delay.

“He is on the verge of walking,” she said. “I was told he would be a paraplegic.”

More information is available from Trammell at 940-452-1191 or from Laura Burdick at 940-654-9076.