soldier s t o r i e s- Brandon Collins

written by my dear childhood friend Erin Ferrell and her mother,
in remembrance of a little brother and only son, Brandon.

"Okay....you were right....tears after 24 years.......the pain never goes away....

I hope this is enough to start.....xoxoxo"

 "Brandon was 3 1/2 years old when one side of his face suddenly became temporarily paralyzed.  One of his legs had been bothering him for a few months, but rubbing it for him seemed to help.  He was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer which in 1982 had 0% survival rate for children diagnosed when they were over 1 1/2 years old.  He endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy and went into remission for a very short time.  When he turned 4, he had lots of energy and his hair was growing back.  Just 4 months later, a huge bump appeared on his thigh.  The cancer was back and very aggressive.

 

Brandon endured more chemo, radiation and a spinal tap in an effort to prepare him for a bone marrow transplant.  The cancer had spread to his bones and he never got strong enough to undergo the procedure.

Throughout his ordeal, he remained sweet and loving.  He especially enjoyed our weekend visits with his cousins, who pampered him and helped him retain his sense of humor.  He adored his sister and couldn't wait to go to kindergarten at her school.  She had been his 'teacher' during so much of their playtime. 

Unfortunately his dream didn't materialize as he passed away 2 1/2 months before the school year was to begin.  He was 5 years old."

Collins- Ferrell family,

 I'm honored to be walking in remembrance of your sweet Brandon 

and his courageous fight with cancer.

 May he rest in peace.

To donate to my sixty mile journey's

 fundraising goal in Brandon's honor,

please click on his name below.

B R A N D O N 

thank you.