Get Brandon Home for Christmas

I’m Brandon, and I haven’t celebrated Christmas with my family for 7 years. Now is when that streak must end, and I’m looking for your help.

I moved to California 7 years ago in pursuit of a new career, friends, and lifestyle. In accomplishing those goals, I steadily became more rooted; more comfortable with where I was. Years slipped by as I kept telling myself, “Next year will be the year I return home for the holidays”. As time passed, the reasons keeping me in California became more than just financial. I became engaged with the dance community. I found solace in the coastal redwoods. I met a steady girlfriend who I loved dearly. I made a group of friends with genuine connections. I found a house with 5 roommates who I could call family.

Soon enough, the pandemic came and hit everyone hard. However, there was a solidarity that brought my girlfriend, roommates, and friends even closer. It felt like we could survive anything if we outlasted 2020. But 2022 proved my assumptions wrong, seeing a dismantling of all my endeavors.

My job as Senior Manufacturing Engineer began exposing me to asbestos-like material, which directly cost my health. Blurry vision, eye pain, chest pain, chronic cough, and irritated skin forced my decision to quit before things got worse. It took 2 months to recover to 90% of what I once was. Afterwards, I began taking steps to further my career.

Without a job, I still had the loving support of my girlfriend, roommates and friends in California. Such an entwined group proved to be great at the best of times. The memories we have made together are among the best I’ve ever had. However, the entanglement of such support had a fatal flaw.

It is still difficult for me to say this. After nearly 5 years, my girlfriend and I have broken up. We have done so amicably. But it still feels crippling, isolating, and devastating nonetheless. To lose a close partner is already a heavy toll. There is the additional loss of my housing which exacts compounding pain. Finally, there is the fear of isolation. With everything we have built together, will some people leave my life in the fallout?

Now, Christmas approaches. There is no longer a job, girlfriend, or house to anchor me here for the holidays. To even attempt staying would be disastrous for my emotional well-being. It is clear I must come home for Christmas and be with my family once again after 7 years.

I intend to drive rather than fly as it is extremely difficult for me to be without a vehicle in Wisconsin. Having my car will grant the freedom of making plans and seeing people easier without the concern of basic logistics. Additionally, I intend to see family scattered across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Finally, hitting the road alone will provide the reflection and freedom I need to heal. I have planned strategic stops for cities, national parks, and friends I would like to see along the way.

Like my brother; Bronson, I have meticulously laid out the miles of this trip. Expenses have been calculated and estimated where there are unknowns. The total cost will be $2600. That is the goal of this campaign.

This is me asking for your support. If you are feeling compelled to gift me anything for the holidays, I only want to be with my friends and family. That is why I created this donation campaign. Any amount you give will go towards the gas, food, and lodging to get me back to the Midwest. If you’ve even read this far, I thank you.

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• To Waukesha

o Friend’s House, San Jose [Start December 7th]

 Depart: December 7th, 8AM

o Salt Lake City, Utah [From San Jose, CA: 768 mi/ 11.5 hr]

 Arrive: December 7th, 8PM

 Depart: December 8th, 12PM

o Hot Springs, South Dakota [From Salt Lake City, Utah: 616 mi/ 9.25 hr]

 Arrive: December 8th, 10PM

• Wind Cave NP: December 9th

• Moccasin Springs: December 9th

 Depart: December 10th, 8AM

o Badlands National Park [From Hot Springs, SD: 60 mi/ 1.5 hr]

 Arrive: December 10th, 10AM

 Depart: December 10th, 4PM

o Family in Apple Valley/Farmington MN [From Badlands, SD: 500 mi/ 7.5 hr]

 Arrive December 11th, 2AM

• MN family meal

• Teach Alan to play Pokemon

• Dance at Swingesota Wednesday

 Depart December 18th

o Friends in Madison WI [From Farmington 270 mi/ 4.5 hr]

 Arrive December 18th, Dinner?

 Depart December 20th, afternoon

o Family and Friends, Waukesha WI [From Madison 70 mi/ 1.5 hr]

 Arrive December 20th, evening

 Depart January 2nd, morning

• Return To San Jose

o Dubuque IA-maybe Omaha NE [From Waukesha 120 mi/ 2 hr]

o Denver CO [From Dubuque 900 mi/ 13 hr]

 Arrive January 6th, evening

• Dance at Denver Westies Wednesday January 7th

 Depart January 8th

o St George, Utah [From Denver 630 mi/ 10 hr]

 Arrive January 8th

 Depart January 9th

o San Jose CA [From St George 644 mi/ 10.5 hr]

 Arrive January 9th

• Gas: 4578=>5000 miles /26 mpg*$5.00/gallon=$961

• Room and Board: 6 nights *$120=$720

• Food, Drinks, Entertainment (Guess): $30*30=$900

• Total (Rounded): $2600