When Brandon was 6 years old, he went from playing his final baseball game of the season to fighting for his life. What started as a simple runny nose and headache quickly became devastating when Brandon woke one morning, attempted to step out of bed and collapsed – the right side of his body suddenly paralyzed.
Brandon was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare, polio-like illness that affects the gray matter of the spinal cord, leading to sudden muscle weakness and paralysis. The condition impacts about 100 people in the U.S. each year and is often linked to viral infections, the most common being enterovirus D-68, which was found in Brandon’s case. While thousands may contract this virus and experience only mild cold-like symptoms, in rare instances, like Brandon’s, it can result in serious neurological complications.
“I remember holding him that morning,” said Kathleen. “I was terrified and prayed that God wouldn’t take him.” After intensive treatment at a hospital in Greenville, South Carolina, and rehabilitation in Atlanta, Georgia, a family friend who was a Shriner suggested they have a consultation at Shriners Children’s Greenville.
At Shriners Children’s Greenville, Brandon began daily physical and occupational therapy, while the hospital’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team created innovative braces to support his recovery. As part of the collaborative care offered across the system, Brandon also received treatments at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia under the care of a pediatric hand specialist known for innovative treatments with AFM. Surgeons performed two critical procedures: a nerve transfer for his paralyzed right arm and later, a surgery to stabilize his shoulder. With these surgical innovations, Brandon has achieved more function than thought possible – making him more independent.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to show others that with the right support and determination, you can overcome anything.
His journey from that frightening morning in 2016 to becoming an International Patient Ambassador exemplifies the power of resilience. While he continues to manage the effects of AFM, including scoliosis, Brandon approaches each day with the same spirit he showed during his early recovery when he told his mother, “I can’t be your ‘cuddle bug’ anymore, Mom. I have to have my fighter’s spirit to get through this.”
Brandon continues to visit Shriners Children’s Philadelphia for checkups. He is a regular at Shriners Children’s Greenville for his orthopedic care and POPS bracing, as well as physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Brandon’s spirit has never wavered. He served as his class president, runs a woodworking business at the local farmer’s market and stays active with his brothers, despite ongoing challenges from his condition. “AFM changed everything about my life,” Brandon said, “but Shriners Children’s showed me that different doesn’t mean impossible.”
Brandon wants to attend college someday for a career in business management, “although I’m not sure what type yet,” he said. “I’d like to stay in Greenville, South Carolina, but I’ve been to some beautiful places I’d consider moving to.”
Honored to be selected as an International Patient Ambassador, Brandon wants to share his story to inspire others. “The care that Shriners Children’s has provided has changed not just my life, but my whole family’s lives,” he said.
Brandon holds the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Prep Division championship trophy while in his wheelchair.
Brandon sits with his back against a wall while wearing his leg brace.
Brandon strikes a pose with a staff member of Shriners Children's Greenville.
