In an age of fleeting headlines and digital noise, the story of Grant Grissom stands as a testament to the power of principled conviction. He is a man who stepped into the national spotlight not through a carefully orchestrated campaign, but through a single, powerful act of personal conscience.
This is the story of a man whose life is a compelling tapestry woven from intellectual rigor, deep faith, profound personal loss, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.
The Public Stand: A $50,000 Plea
In March 2025, many Americans were introduced to Grant Grissom through a full-page advertisement in The New York Times. At 80 years old, the Newtown Square, Pennsylvania resident spent $50,000 of his own money on a powerful, open letter.
The New York Times Ad
The ad was a direct and impassioned plea for then-President Donald Trump to resign. Grissom, a former Republican, laid out a series of grievances, citing what he saw as a betrayal of American values and a desecration of the principles he held dear.
He wrote not as a political operative, but as a concerned citizen, a grandfather haunted by the question, “When Trump was tearing down the country, what did you do?”
The Motivation
Grissom’s motivation was simple and profound: he could not stand by and do nothing. With the support of his children, who agreed to sacrifice a portion of their inheritance, he chose to make his voice heard in a significant way.
The response was overwhelming, with thousands of emails of support flooding his inbox, affirming that his message had resonated deeply across the nation.
A Foundation of Faith and Intellect
Grant Grissom’s public stand was not an isolated act but the culmination of a lifetime of learning and contemplation. His background is a unique blend of scientific precision and humanistic inquiry.
A Scholar’s Path
His academic journey is remarkable, with degrees in mathematics from Penn State, computer science from Cornell, and a Ph.D. in child education and counseling from Bryn Mawr College.
This diverse education paved the way for a successful career as the co-founder and CEO of Polaris Health Directions, a company that pioneered the use of technology to improve mental health treatment.
Deep Roots in Christian Theology
Beyond his professional achievements, Grissom dedicated over two decades to faith-related work. He served as a board member for the Collegeville Institute and as a mentor for the Education for Ministry (EfM) program.
For 26 years, he guided groups through intensive study of the scriptures, church history, and Christian theology, grounding his worldview in a deep and scholarly understanding of his faith.
Personal Conviction Forged in Tragedy
Perhaps the most poignant chapter of Grissom’s life is the story of his late wife, Gay. Her battle with brain cancer profoundly shaped his perspective on life, death, and compassion.
A Promise to Gay
Years before her diagnosis, after witnessing a friend’s agonizing death, Grissom promised his wife he would not let her suffer a similar fate. When Gay was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2011, that promise became a source of immense worry.
He grappled with the moral and legal implications of fulfilling his vow, a burden that highlighted the difficult choices faced by families at the end of life.
Advocating for Compassion
While hospice care ultimately provided Gay with a peaceful passing, the experience ignited a new passion in Grissom. He became a vocal advocate for Compassion & Choices, an organization dedicated to expanding end-of-life options.
He argues that terminally ill individuals deserve the legal right to choose a peaceful death and avoid unnecessary suffering, a conviction born from his own profound personal experience.
The Intersection of Faith and Justice
For Grant Grissom, faith is not a passive belief but a call to action. His writings and activism demonstrate a deep commitment to applying Christian principles to contemporary social issues.
Rejecting White Supremacy
In both his New York Times ad and other writings, Grissom has been an unflinching critic of white supremacy, which he calls “an especially odious Christian heresy.”
He challenges the church to confront this issue head-on, arguing that it finds no support in scripture or doctrine and has caused incalculable suffering.
A Voice for the Voiceless
From his advocacy for end-of-life dignity to his critique of political leaders, Grissom consistently uses his voice to speak for those he feels are marginalized or betrayed.
His life’s work reflects a belief that faith must be accompanied by a commitment to justice, compassion, and the well-being of all people.
The Legacy of Grant Grissom
Grant Grissom’s story is a powerful reminder that one person’s voice, backed by conviction and courage, can still make a difference. He is a man of intellect, faith, and action.
His legacy is not just in the companies he built or the ads he published, but in the example he set: to live a life of purpose, to speak truth to power, and to never stop fighting for a more just and compassionate world.
