Our family is facing a challenge we never expected, and we are reaching out for help as we navigate the next chapter of Brandon’s life.

Just a couple of months ago, life changed in an instant. After a series of painful, confusing symptoms that led to multiple hospital visits and tests, Brandon was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. It was a massive shock to all of us; the cancer had spread from his lungs, to his liver, kidneys, spine, and brain. To say the last couple months has been a whirlwind would be an understatement; we were faced with an overwhelming diagnosis that felt impossible to process.

The Turning Point: Despite the severity of what we’ve been told, we have found a reason to be incredibly hopeful. After exhaustive testing, we discovered that Brandon’s cancer is driven by a specific genetic marker known as the ALK mutation.

Because of this, Brandon has been prescribed a new, 3rd-generation targeted therapy medication called Lorlatinib. This drug is a literal game changer. It is specifically designed to bypass the blood-brain barrier to target tumors in the brain and provide systemic treatment for the rest of his body. Doctors are optimistic that this medication will be the key to managing his condition and allowing him to regain his quality of life.

Why We Need Your Help: While we are so grateful to have a treatment plan, the reality of this journey is expensive and demanding. Between travel to specialized care centers, the mounting costs of supportive medical equipment, and the loss of income while Brandon focuses entirely on his health and recovery, the financial burden is growing quickly.

We want Brandon and his wife to be able to focus 100% of their energy on his treatment and recovery without the constant stress of how the bills will be paid.

How You Can Help: We are setting up this fund to help cover:

• Medical and travel-related expenses as we coordinate care with top-tier specialists.

• Support for Brandon and his wife to help bridge the gap while he is unable to work and focused on his treatment.

• Everyday needs that have become secondary to this urgent fight.

Any amount - no matter how small - helps us take one more thing off their plate. If you aren't able to donate, we completely understand. Your prayers, positive thoughts, and sharing this page with others, are just as valuable to us.

Thank you for standing with Brandon. We believe in his strength, we trust in his medical team, and we are so grateful to have you in our corner as he begins this fight.

With love,

The Skillen Family