Commit to a Cure: Brandon’s Fight Against Cancer

If you’re from the little town of Bishopville, SC chances are you know my brother-in-law Brandon Smith. Well, former brother-in-law. Long story, but if you know me, then you probably know the story. But he’s still my brother just the same. (I was married to his brother Ashley “Ash” for 13 years.) Everyone has kept in touch and we’ve still been there for each other in hard times. This is one of those times.

On Sunday, September 11th I got one of those phone calls that makes your heart drop—Ash called to tell me that Brandon was in the hospital and they found a mass on his liver. The hospital wanted to transfer him elsewhere for another opinion and Richland was the only facility close that could take him at the time. After more tests (including a liver biopsy) and scans at Richland, we learned that there was also a mass in his distal esophagus and the plan was to place a stent to make eating and drinking easier for him. After one failed attempt at the stent, one was successfully placed the following day and a biopsy was taken from that area as well. After observation, Brandon was allowed to be discharged on Friday, September 16th to await a referral to Duke in Durham, NC.

We’ve received reports from Richland on their findings in the meantime. So far the main diagnosis is a liver mass and a mass involving the gastroesophageal junction and gastric cardia (meaning the point that your esophagus joins your stomach). There are also lymph nodes involved.

His first appointment at Duke will be his initial consult on Friday, September 30th. We won’t know more until the team there has reviewed everything and run more tests and gotten a plan together.

Brandon and his family would never ask for anything like this, and Brandon himself would do anything to help someone with no questions asked. This family is full of some of the kindest and most big hearted people I know. With that being said, I’ve spoken with both Ash and Brandon and decided to create this fundraiser to attempt to ease some of the burden upon them and the family. All donations will go directly to Brandon to provide whatever he and the family will need, to include the cost of travel back and forth to Duke, lodging, food, medications, his monthly expenses, and anything else he may find necessary through the duration.

This is going to be quite the journey and Brandon and the rest of the family could use all of the prayers and support they can get.

We greatly appreciate any and all donations and well wishes!

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!

Updates will be posted as they become available.