symbol for Team Brandon all over the county. All of the
funds raised go to Brandon and his family with no strings
attached, said Sandy.
Once Brandon had a successful bone marrow transplant, Team Brandon was able to breathe a slight sigh of
relief but the cancer has returned. This year, at the age of
19, Brandon’s leukemia resurfaced, shattering his mother’s world again.
“The first time, I completely fell apart,” said Shan.
“I only got through it because of Brandon’s attitude. I’m
amazed by him. I asked him if he understood what was
happening and he said he did. He told me that he was not
worried because God had this in his hands. He said if he
has to go out, he’s going out fighting.”
Brandon’s fighting spirit has inspired a new version
of products entitled “Round Two” with boxing gloves in
the logo. Sandy said Team Brandon is going to fight right
along side this remarkable young man.
Shan said treatment is going as well as can be expected at this stage of Brandon’s illness. He is currently
at Tri-Star Centennial Medical Center and will probably be allowed to come home for a week or two when his
blood markers are adequate to allow him to be around
other people. But, then he will return to the hospital for a
stem cell transplant.
“We have a plan and that’s a good thing right now,”
said Shan. “I’m optimistic because Brandon is optimistic. We have a doctor we love and we’re fighting.”
Shan said because Sandy has taken all burden from
her, she is able to concentrate on Brandon 100 percent.
“I’m humbled by the love,” said Shan.
Humbled is one of the words Brandon uses, too.
“I just don’t have words,” said Brandon. “I mean,
‘thank you’ just isn’t enough.”
He repeats this phrase several times in a short conversation. He says he is overwhelmed by the prayers and
cards and gifts.
“I do feel more confident and able to fight, knowing
so many people are behind me,” said Brandon. “People
tell me I’m their hero and that feels weird. I’m just trying
to survive.”
Sandy said that she and the other members of Team
Brandon have to remind themselves all the time that
Brandon is still a child by definition.
“He’s so mature and so strong,” she said, “but he is
still a child and his mom is hurting.”
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