HELP BRANDON GET THE SURGERY HE NEEDS FOR HIS LEG

Our family has been involved in supporting the impoverished community of Cuna Maya in Cancun, Mexico over the past several years. In September, we had the opportunity to go to Cancun on a mission outreach trip to serve the students and families of Kingdom Academy which is a small K–12 private school serving children in the community and is directed through Youth With A Mission (YWAM), an international Christian missions organization.

While there, we met Brandon, who was serving at the school, where our team was working. I was immediately struck by his kindness, confidence, and humility. After learning more about Brandon and his story, I knew I wanted to help share what he is facing and ask others to come alongside him.

Brandon is only 20 years old, and he is currently dealing with a painful and serious complication from a motorcycle accident that happened a year ago. The accident left him with a broken tibia, requiring surgery to place a rod and pins in his leg. Unfortunately, his body is now rejecting the surgical hardware, and he has developed a persistent infection. Despite taking antibiotics, his leg remains extremely painful, swelled with open wounds, and has a burning sensation. His doctors have determined that he needs another surgery to remove the hardware.

The surgery will cost approximately $2,200–$2,800, and Brandon does not have the money to pay for it. Even more concerning, he has been told that the next available appointment through the normal healthcare system is not for another three months. We don’t want him to risk losing his leg!

As someone who has recently undergone knee surgery myself, I have a small understanding of how difficult it is to walk, function, and manage everyday life when you are dealing with significant pain and limited use of a leg. But Brandon has been living with this pain and limitation for a much longer period of time, while also dealing with an infection and the uncertainty of not knowing when he can receive the surgery he needs. I can't imagine how difficult that must be at his age!

Right now, however, something as basic as being able to walk without severe pain is standing in his way.

Brandon's Story

Brandon has been part of the Cuna Maya community for many years. Cuna Maya is a poverty-stricken community in Cancun, Mexico, where many families face significant financial challenges and limited access to resources. According to Darius Ernst, the director of Kingdom Academy and YWAM, Brandon first became involved in their programs when he was young. In 2018, he was one of the very first students to participate in their sponsorship program and eventually became the first student to graduate from Kingdom Academy in 2023. He went on to complete a five-month Discipleship Training School, including a two-month mission trip to Vietnam.

Today, Brandon is studying fashion and design at University, and he dreams of becoming a celebrity stylist and fashion professional, working closely with celebrities to create and curate their public image through clothing, accessories, hair, and personal style. He has a clear vision for his future, styles and cuts many of the locals hair, and is eager to work toward it.

This is happening at a particularly important time in Brandon's life. At only 20 years old, he is eager to move forward—to study, finish university, begin working, and build a career. He is energetic, motivated, and excited about his future, but his injury is keeping him from fully functioning and moving forward with his education and work.

He has recently committed to serving for two years as part of the staff with YWAM Cancun, helping in various ministries. This is an unpaid commitment. Brandon chose to give this season of his life to serving others and growing in his relationship with God because he felt the Lord leading him in this direction.

Now, Brandon is the one who needs someone to come alongside him.

Because of his injury and ongoing medical problems, Brandon has been unable to work. He lives with his mother and sister, and his family is struggling with the financial burden of his medical care and everyday necessities.

Our goal is to raise $4,000 so Brandon can have the surgery he urgently needs, as well as additional funds to help with medications, follow-up medical care, transportation to appointments, food, household expenses, and other necessities while he is unable to work.

I met Brandon only two weeks ago, but hearing his story and seeing him serve others despite what he is going through made a lasting impression on me. He is a young man with a heart to serve, a desire to follow God, and a future he is working hard to build.

If you are able to give, any amount will help Brandon get the medical care he needs and relieve some of the burden he and his family are carrying.

If you aren't able to donate, sharing this fundraiser and praying for Brandon and his family is equally meaningful. Every prayer, every share, and every gift can help remind Brandon that he is not facing this alone.

Please join us in helping Brandon receive the surgery he needs, recover from this painful complication, and continue pursuing his education, serving others, and building his future.

Thank you for caring about Brandon and for standing with him during this difficult time.