Help Brad J. Bowling Stand Strong Again

A Call to Action for a Brother, a Visionary, and a Champion of Our Stories

Brad J. Bowling is a creative visionary, entrepreneur, and the powerhouse behind CODE M Magazine. As President of CODE Media Group, Brad has spent years using his platform to celebrate men of color, amplify untold narratives, and spark meaningful conversations around identity, resilience, leadership, and purpose.

Through CODE M, he has championed men who are fathers, educators, artists, mentors, and change-makers—uplifting stories that matter and transforming how we see ourselves and each other.

But now, Brad needs the very community he’s uplifted for so long to rally behind him.

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A Sudden Health Crisis That Changed Everything

Over nine years ago, Brad was diagnosed with diabetes. Through discipline and intentionality, he managed the condition well—staying active, mindful, and in control. So when he began to feel “off” a few weeks ago—just tired and not quite himself—he didn’t think it was anything major. He visited urgent care, got a few tests, and was told it was likely a minor infection or virus.

But the symptoms didn’t go away. Something still wasn’t right.

Thankfully, Brad trusted his instincts and returned to the ER—and within two hours, he was rushed into emergency surgery.

Doctors discovered a rare and aggressive bacterial infection that had quietly spread through his body—affecting his lungs and ultimately settling in his foot. Infectious disease specialists were called in immediately. Despite their best efforts, the infection had progressed too far. To save his life, Brad’s lower right leg had to be amputated.

There were no early signs. No indication of what was coming. Had he waited even a few more hours, this could have been a very different message.

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A New Life, A New Journey—And a New Need

Brad is now facing a long road of recovery, rehabilitation, and reinvention. He will need to relearn how to walk, adapt his living space for mobility, and restructure his day-to-day life while navigating this new chapter physically, emotionally, and financially.

And here’s the hard truth: Brad is a self-employed media professional. As an entrepreneur, he doesn’t have access to comprehensive insurance that covers long-term care, prosthetics, adaptive housing, or extended time away from work.

He’s always used his platform to pour into others. Now, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to pour into him.

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How You Can Help Brad Stand Strong Again

We are raising $10,000 to help cover:

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This Isn’t Just About One Man—It’s a Wake-Up Call for Us All

Brad’s story is a powerful reminder of how urgent and necessary it is for men—especially Black men—to prioritize their health. Too often, we push through pain, delay care, and normalize discomfort—until it becomes a crisis.

Brad’s instincts saved his life. He listened to his body when others may have ignored it. That decision allowed him to still be here with us today.

Now, with courage, vulnerability, and faith, Brad is stepping into a new beginning. Let’s meet his bravery with compassion, generosity, and action—and let’s also use this moment as a call to protect ourselves and the men we love.

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How You Can Support

Whether you’re a friend, family member, fraternity brother, classmate, business partner, client, or loyal CODE M reader—this is your moment to give back.

Let’s help Brad stand strong—literally and spiritually—and remind him that the village he helped build is still standing with him now.

From the entire heart of his family, fraternity, and friends — thank you for standing in the gap.

#WeStandWithBrad

#CODEMFamilyStrong

#HealthIsWealth

#SupportBlackEntrepreneurs

#MensHealthMatters

#BradStrong