Friends of Brandon
Donation protected
All children bring joy, or should at least, but we are talking about a child that simply shines light on all those around them, and whose smile is like stepping into a warm home after being out in the bitter cold. Do you know someone like that? I do, and this sweet little boy, whose name is Brandon, is all the more amazing, and fantastic, and wonderful because he's been sharing this joy while literally fighting for his life since the day he was born almost 11 years ago.
Brandon was born with a condition called Noonan Syndrome. The Syndrome affects many parts of the body, and in Brandon's case it caused him to be born with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart. At only 3 months old, infant Brandon underwent a heart transplant, and in fact for most of his first two years of life Brandon never left the hospital. The surgeries and treatments sustained Brandon's life, but were in many ways only the beginning. The transplant has meant a ceaseless routine of double digit daily medications, severe ear infections for which Brandon must wear tubes in both of his ears and the ever present risk of infections that could spread to his new heart.
In 2013, when Brandon was 7 years old, his body began to reject his heart. For over two weeks Brandon fought, and through tremendous strength on Brandon's part, the rest of us were not robbed of our shining light. Brandon recovered, but the complications and the other burdens of Noonan Syndrome have remained.
Brandon is currently on over 13 medications that he must take daily, bearing side effects from nausea, to high blood pressure, and from vomiting to severe migraine headaches. Despite all of those things, which come with hours in the car going back and forth to weekly treatments and check-ups, Brandon still manages to make jokes, and laugh with his Mother and two older sisters every chance that he gets. Brandon loves to play outside with his friends, and shoot basketball. When his energy affords, he's either in a pool or at the bowling alley. Although his health has required a lot of home schooling, Brandon loves school. And although he sometimes is bullied because he's undersized and laughed at because he tires so easily, Brandon is always ready with a smile or a hug, and worried about how your day is going.
As anyone might imagine, Brandon's many challenges have required a family effort. It's an effort fueled for Brandon's mother, Michele who is sustained by the light and joy that is her unique, 10 year old baby boy. A single mother, raising two other amazing children along with her very special Brandon, Michele has dedicated her life to her kids. Brandon's caretaking requirements do not allow Michele, who is a single parent to work any kind of regular full- or part-time job. Living in Rockland County NY, where Michele herself grew up, the family strives together everyday, and counts every day with Brandon as a deep blessing. Recently Michele has had car trouble, and unfortunately Rockland is an area with no public transportation. Even if Brandon's appointments were within walking distance for some of us, they would still present potentially life threatening danger to someone with Brandon's physical challenges. The fact is that the treatments and check-ups require drive time. We are asking if you might see it in your heart to lend some aid to Brandon's family purchasing a car, and ensuring that this beautiful, passionate, and simply awesome little boy is kept watch over by his doctor's for a long, long time to come.
Brandon was born with a condition called Noonan Syndrome. The Syndrome affects many parts of the body, and in Brandon's case it caused him to be born with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart. At only 3 months old, infant Brandon underwent a heart transplant, and in fact for most of his first two years of life Brandon never left the hospital. The surgeries and treatments sustained Brandon's life, but were in many ways only the beginning. The transplant has meant a ceaseless routine of double digit daily medications, severe ear infections for which Brandon must wear tubes in both of his ears and the ever present risk of infections that could spread to his new heart.
In 2013, when Brandon was 7 years old, his body began to reject his heart. For over two weeks Brandon fought, and through tremendous strength on Brandon's part, the rest of us were not robbed of our shining light. Brandon recovered, but the complications and the other burdens of Noonan Syndrome have remained.
Brandon is currently on over 13 medications that he must take daily, bearing side effects from nausea, to high blood pressure, and from vomiting to severe migraine headaches. Despite all of those things, which come with hours in the car going back and forth to weekly treatments and check-ups, Brandon still manages to make jokes, and laugh with his Mother and two older sisters every chance that he gets. Brandon loves to play outside with his friends, and shoot basketball. When his energy affords, he's either in a pool or at the bowling alley. Although his health has required a lot of home schooling, Brandon loves school. And although he sometimes is bullied because he's undersized and laughed at because he tires so easily, Brandon is always ready with a smile or a hug, and worried about how your day is going.
As anyone might imagine, Brandon's many challenges have required a family effort. It's an effort fueled for Brandon's mother, Michele who is sustained by the light and joy that is her unique, 10 year old baby boy. A single mother, raising two other amazing children along with her very special Brandon, Michele has dedicated her life to her kids. Brandon's caretaking requirements do not allow Michele, who is a single parent to work any kind of regular full- or part-time job. Living in Rockland County NY, where Michele herself grew up, the family strives together everyday, and counts every day with Brandon as a deep blessing. Recently Michele has had car trouble, and unfortunately Rockland is an area with no public transportation. Even if Brandon's appointments were within walking distance for some of us, they would still present potentially life threatening danger to someone with Brandon's physical challenges. The fact is that the treatments and check-ups require drive time. We are asking if you might see it in your heart to lend some aid to Brandon's family purchasing a car, and ensuring that this beautiful, passionate, and simply awesome little boy is kept watch over by his doctor's for a long, long time to come.
Organizer
Michele Padilla
Organizer
Stony Point, NY
