Support Brandon's Battle and Caitlin's Courage

After journeying through cancer twice over the past 6 years, Brandon is again dealing with a major, debilitating illness and unable to support his family. This has resulted in his hospitalization since April 15 and just today they received a diagnosis that will impact them for months to come. With outcomes still uncertain and treatment options still being planned, Caitlin is now confronted with the challenge of financially supporting herself and her son while ensuring Brandon receives the best possible care.

On June 1, 2018, two years into their marriage, when Caitlin was seven months pregnant with their 5 year old son Rhodes, Brandon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Following 3 1/2 years of continuous chemotherapy treatment at the University of Miami, he achieved remission and enjoyed about a year's reprieve from active disease. However, follow-up molecular testing at John Hopkins revealed a relapse. On December 23, 2022, after his immune system had been eradicated, Brandon underwent a life-saving stem cell transplant. The subsequent months were filled with follow-up appointments, addressing collateral damage from treatments.

After four months of relative health and clean local test results, Brandon was declared in clinical remission. However, awaiting a bone marrow biopsy appointment for confirmation, Brandon began experiencing foot pain around April 5, 2024. Over the next week, his condition worsened, he began having stroke-like symptoms; motor issues, cognitive confusion, and speech problems.

This prompted a visit to the emergency room at the University of Miami on Monday, April 15. He was admitted and that night suffered three consecutive seizures. An MRI revealed a lesion on his brain. Despite a brief improvement in symptoms, a subsequent MRI indicated the lesion was growing, and Brandon's condition deteriorated further. They then ordered a brain biopsy.

Brandon then developed a rash across his body, sores on his foot and excruciating, shooting pains from his foot to his back. He continues to struggle with labored and jumbled speech, memory lapses, and word mix-ups. While waiting for the pathology on the multiple biopsies the medical team was perplexed, eventually involving multiple departments to address his complex condition. They prescribed stronger pain medication to alleviate his excruciating nerve pain and steroids to reduce the inflammation in his body. After many suggested diagnoses, the test revealed that Brandon has a viral infection in the brain. This was caused by his suppressed immune system from the stem cell transplant from the naturally occurring herpes virus from a cold sore getting out of control and going to his brain.

The ongoing treatment, 2-3 more weeks in the hospital for anti-viral intravenous injections and then extended rehabilitation to address the stroke and seizure damage has placed a significant burden on Caitlin, who must now provide sole support for their family. Caitlin is the owner and director of a small Irish dance school which she is also trying to keep running. This is particularly challenging financially as the family is self-insured, facing months of treatment and in-patient rehabilitation for Brandon's impairments and his inability to work.

Caitlin's family is has shined their light in many lives. We hope that you can find it in your heart to support this beautiful family in any way you can. Thank you, and may blessings abound.