Actually, the picture you see above is from last year. Nobody knew at that time that it would be my last shavee event. The inoperable and dormant tumor inside my brain since childhood suddenly awakened with a vengeance last summer... a meaner and nastier version than it had been before. It swiftly took over the pons and brainstem areas, destroying everything in its path, including my abilities to walk or stand or speak or swallow or even return a squeeze whenever anyone held my hand. It destroyed... me ... well my body anyway. It could never touch who I was inside. Most importantly, it could not destroy my faith. No Satan, you might have sent Cancer out to get me, but you lost! I never gave up on God, and He never gave up on me. Almost three months to the day from when Mom first took me to the hospital, God called me home. I am perfect; I am made new and whole; I am no longer in pain.
My family and friends, however, the ones I left behind, they are the ones who are hurting now. They rejoice in knowing where I am and that we will one day meet again, but still, there is a sadness yet to be overcome. Their sorrow and grief are not unique, many have walked the path before and many more have yet to follow. They just don't want others to feel this way ever again if it can be prevented. Since St. Baldrick's has been very near and dear to my heart for many years and like extended family to me, a group of friends and family got together and made plans to shave and raise money to support childhood cancer research in my place. Their goal this year is $10,000, a doable number if everyone can raise about $1,000 each. Wouldn't it be amazing if they hit that number out of the ballpark? While I will not be there in body to witness the team's accomplishments, I will definitely be there as I live on in the spirits of my teammates.
Please keep hope alive and consider donating to this worthy cause. The money you give today may help someone else tomorrow, maybe even you, avoid the pain and grief my loved ones are facing now. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Love, Brandon
August 31, 1994 - October 3, 2016
