As many of you know I lost my little brother and best friend in a tragic accident on October 18th 2024. Family and friends who grew up with us know that since my second birthday Garrett and I have always shared our birthday as he was born 3 days before my second birthday on the 6th of February.

There isn’t a birthday that I can remember that he wasn’t right next to me, a cake with candles that were 2 years less than mine. This shared unique experience between us is something I have always held close and will be thankful for the rest of my life.

I strive everyday to be a little bit more like him in all the ways you knew him to be. Kind, unique, unapologetically himself, hysterically funny and willing to give support to anyone in need.

This year all I want for my birthday is to spend it celebrating with my brother and I have decided the best way to do that is to use our birthday to honor him in a way he would love. Garrett loved to serve others and he loved dogs specifically the Black Lab I brought home from college that basically became his dog. Through Lions Club, in which he was active with my dad there is a program called Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Instead of gifts I ask family and friends to donate to this fundraiser to help me sponsor this Black Lab named Bobbi Jo in my brother’s name. I hope to be able to help someone through my love for him the way he helped others.