My name is Ed Miller, retired Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial District. Many of you know about the illness of Brandon Newcomb who is the son of Assistant District Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District, Ron Newcomb. The following paragraphs show the journey the Newcomb family has been through. Numerous members of the legal community have shown an interest in helping defer the enormous expenses that the Newcomb’s encountered on their journey. Toward that end, myself and current Public Defender, Rebecca Lee have established a GO FUND ME ACCOUNT. Just click on this link and give a generous gift to this fund. One Hundred Percent of the funds raised will go directly to the Newcomb family. You may also write a check directly to Ron Newcomb and send it to Rebecca Lee at PO Box 416, Dandridge, TN 37725 or send a check directly to First Tennessee Bank Account of Ron Newcomb Family Foundation. Honor your healthy child, children or grandchildren with a generous gift to the Newcomb family.

Thanking you in advance,

Ed Miller

THE JOURNEY

December 31, 2023, was the start of a long road for Brandon Newcomb. He became sick and within 10 days was admitted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center where he previously underwent a kidney transplant on May 17, 2010.

Brandon had several lab tests, procedures, and scans to determine what was going on with him. On January 16, 2024, a PET scan identified multiple abnormalities in his abdomen, spleen, and lungs. It was confirmed he had an aggressive form of cancer. Two days later, he underwent surgery to place a hemodialysis catheter and remove lymph nodes for biopsy. One week later, he underwent a bilateral bone marrow biopsy and a lumbar puncture with his first high-dose chemo treatment via spinal fluid to combat his final diagnosis of large B cell lymphoma.

Post surgery, Brandon was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit where he would be on continuous dialysis for three days. While his body responded to the chemotherapy, the doctors watched closely to make certain that his transplanted kidney would not fail. Thankfully, labs and multiple ultrasounds proved his kidney was strong, and he was able to come off hemodialysis and be transferred to the oncology unit.

While on the oncology unit, Brandon celebrated his 15th birthday on February 14, 2024, started losing his hair and decided to shave his head; underwent four cycles of chemotherapy; dealt with five small bowel obstructions, leading him to need a nasal gastric tube inserted; and started on IV nutrition until he could undergo a colon resection on April 29, 2024. He continued doing schoolwork for one hour a day from 10 to 11 o’clock in the morning with an appointed teacher and was inducted into the National Honor Society at Lakeway Christian Academy. There were only 2 discharges in between chemotherapy treatments in the span of a month, that led to only four days out of the hospital with early readmissions, secondary to becoming ill.

All while this was happening, Brandon’s mother, a Family Nurse Practitioner, continued to work doing telehealth visits. Brandon’s father continued to work as well and drove back-and-forth from Sevierville to Cincinnati, making over at least 20 trips from to be with his son. His grandmother, Janie, also stayed by his side assisting and providing tremendous support. His brother was busy finishing up his freshman year at ETSU and visited when he could.

On Monday, May 13, 2024, final pathology reports from biopsied lymph nodes confirmed Brandon was cancer free and in remission. Throughout the week, Brandon was weaned off IV nutrition and was eating well on his own.

He was discharged from the hospital on May 17, 2024. Brandon will continue his recovery with physical therapy and multiple follow up appointments while staying in Cincinnati for a few more months. He has maintained good spirits despite a lot of hurdles. His will to survive is incredible and is one of toughest fighters out there. We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support as well as the countless prayers which were answered by God.

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds tomorrow and that is enough.