Griffin Gullekson's Story Inspires Sparta

Sparta High School sophomore, Griffin Gullekson, began battling cancer in September 2024. Despite his difficult diagnosis, he didn’t lose his passion for basketball. His oncology team approved him to continue to play in conjunction with a surgically placed port in his chest and twelve rounds of chemotherapy.

Not long after, Griffin partnered with The Lindsey Hunter Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers underserved youth through basketball. The foundation already had established basketball teams in the Detroit area, and they were excited to partner with Griffin and Sparta High School to expand to the Grand Rapids area. Caleb Hunter, CEO of the Lindsey Hunter Foundation spoke about the partnership saying, “Starting this journey in Sparta with the Gullekson family wasn’t just a business decision – it was personal. When I met Griffin, I saw a fighter. I saw a kid who refuses to quit, no matter what life throws at him. That hit me deep, because I know what it feels like to carry pain, to walk through struggle with a smile, and to keep showing up when you feel like nobody sees you. My whole life, I’ve battled to find light in dark places. Griffin’s resilience reminded me why I do this – and why Sparta is exactly where this story needs to begin. This is about more than basketball. It’s about heart. It’s about healing. It’s about legacy.”

This inaugural LHE Grand Rapids Team is focused on hope, determination, togetherness, community involvement, and the development of character. They have had an incredibly successful season, and they are special in another way: they had no try outs. Each player was invited by Griffin to be a part of this team and journey. "The school, basketball team & coaches, the Lindsey Hunter Elite Basketball program, and community have been so supportive in my journey to be cancer free!  Being able to start going back to school, playing basketball & running track, and being around my friends more has made me feel so good. With my family, all the people from my old school at Morley Stanwood, here at Sparta, and everyone in the LHE program encouraging me I just think I will continue to feel better and better.  I just can't believe all the people who have helped me and I am just so thankful!”