Milwaukee, WI
'We want them to know what they went through' Milwaukee school honors local family after tragic loss
MILWAUKEE — A local school dedicated its baseball field in honor of two children who died after being diagnosed with a rare disease.
On Saturday, TMJ4 News was there as the University School of Milwaukee (USM) renamed its baseball field Bridger and Essex Grebe Field.
Both passed away, in 2010 and 2015 respectively, after being diagnosed with Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD). INAD is a rare, inherited neurological disorder that causes progressive loss of vision, muscular control, and mental skills.
“When our sons were first diagnosed, we didn’t know what it was,” said Kelly Grebe.
Ryan Jenkins
For the past 14 years, Michael and Kelly Grebe, the parents of Bridger and Essex, have been raising money to fund the search for a cure by hosting an annual charity softball tournament. To date, the family has raised nearly $800,000 to help fund the search for a cure for INAD, which affects roughly just 150 kids worldwide.
“The more people that we can make aware of this rare disease, the more hope we have of finding someone who wants to step up and fund a cure,” said Kelly Grebe.
While no cure has been identified yet, researchers are working towards starting gene therapy trials. That progress has inspired many who have joined the Gebe’s on the quest for a cure.
Ryan Jenkins
“They’ve been doing a softball event for several years and we wanted them to come home here to USM,” said Steve Hancock, USM’s Head of Schools. He spoke Saturday at the unveiling of Bridger and Essex Grebe Field. “It’s not just Grebe Field because we want people to remember Bridger and Essex. We want them to know what they went through, the disease that they fought and our hope for a cure and so by having their name on the field for everyone to see, we’re hoping that for generations in the future, we’ll be able to tell this story for them.”
It’s an extra special moment for the Grebes. Their family has attended the institution for generations and Michael and their two sons, Griffin and Tripp, have been part of the USM baseball team.
“University School and the baseball program mean an awful lot to me, to our sons, to our family and to have Bridger and Essex recognized this way means an awful lot to me and I hope it can mean something to the kids who can look up and there and see their names up there for years to come,” said Michael Grebe.
A home run for a family fighting for a cure.
To learn more about the Bridger & Essex Grebe Fund and the race to fund and find a cure for INAD, click here.
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Milwaukee Wave coach Marcio Leite 2025-26 team’s evolution in MASL
See first-year Milwaukee Wave head coach Marcio Leite discuss the roles of younger players and veterans as the 2025-26 MASL season begins.
The Milwaukee Wave had been in the awkward position of trying to sell tickets to the MASL championship series without knowing when it would actually host a game.
The questions were answered late April 19, when the San Diego Sockers beat the St. Louis Ambush in the other semifinal in overtime. Their series didn’t even start until four days after the Wave eliminated the Baltimore Blast with victories in a regulation Game 2 and knockout Game 3 at the UWM Panther Arena.
Now the finals are set for two of the most decorated teams in arena soccer.
The Wave will host Game 1 at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 and then the series will finish at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, with Game 2 at 9:30 p.m. April 24 and a potential Game 3 at 9 p.m. April 27.
Three versions of the Sockers have totaled 16 championships in various indoor league with the latest iteration founded in 2009 owning six of those. The Wave has seven.
First-year Wave head coach Marcio Leite has won titles with both franchises.
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on early Sunday morning on the 4900 block of W. Capitol Drive that left one person injured.
An 18-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
TMJ4
The police is currently looking for an unknown suspect at this time.
Those with information regarding the shooting are encouraged to contact the Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips to remain anonymous.
Let’s talk:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Police Department requested the public’s help to find 11-year-old Sir’Charles Bason, a critically missing boy who was last seen near Teutonia and Kiley at around 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.
Police described Bason as 4 feet, 5 inches tall with a slim build, brown eyes and black, low-cut hair. He was last seen wearing a gray jacket with green lines, dark-colored jeans, tan sandals and carrying gray Nike Jordan shoes.
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What you can do:
Anyone with information on Bason’s whereabouts is asked to call Milwaukee Police District 4 at 414-935-7242.
The Source: The Milwaukee Police Department released information.
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