Brandon’s Journey: A Cancer Survivor’s Story of Hope and Connection
Story of Hope and Connection
At just 17 years old, Brandon has already faced challenges most of us can only imagine. Eight years in remission from a rare form of brain cancer called Langerhans cell histiocytosis, he stood before a crowd at the Water Lantern Festival (WLF) to share his remarkable journey—a story of resilience, hope, and the life-changing impact of Make-A-Wish.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
When Brandon was only eight, his life took an unexpected turn. Diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a disease where an accumulation of white blood cells forms tumors, he faced a golf ball-sized tumor in his brain. In January 2016, he underwent a grueling surgery that left a lasting mark on his memory.
The year and a half that followed was a blur of chemotherapy, MRIs, and surgeries. As a multi-sport athlete, Brandon’s dreams and active lifestyle were put on pause, replaced by hospital visits and uncertainty. “All my life plans were on pause,” he recalls, describing the hopelessness that crept in during his treatment.
A Beacon of Light: Make-A-Wish
Enter Make-A-Wish, an organization Brandon had only vaguely heard about through hospital conversations. The wish process was unlike anything he expected—it was, in his words,“ weird but also amazing.” For a young boy whose life had been consumed by illness, the opportunity to have a wish granted brought a spark of hope. “It was something to look forward to,” Brandon shared.“ It was a moment of light.”
Central to this experience was Paula, Brandon’s wish granter, whom he describes as one of the most impactful people in his journey, second only to his family. Paula’s support made the wish process not just bearable but extraordinary, guiding Brandon through the emotional and logistical steps with care and compassion.
A Wish That Meant More
Brandon’s wish was to travel to California, but it was far more than a vacation. It was a deeply personal mission to meet his grandfather on his mother’s side—the only family member he had never met due to the distance between them. For Brandon, who had never even been on a plane before, the trip felt like stepping into a dream.
The moment he stepped off the plane and saw his grandfather waiting, reality hit: “Wow, this is really happening.” The connection was immediate and profound, a moment Brandon never thought possible given the miles that had separated them.
A California Adventure
The trip was a whirlwind of joy and connection. The family’s first stop was Disneyland, where they stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel. For Brandon, who never imagined he’d visit the iconic park, those days were magical. Next, they ventured to Universal Studios Hollywood, where Brandon, a self-proclaimed roller coaster enthusiast, discovered that his grandfather shared his thrill-seeking spirit. “It runs in the family,” he said with a smile.
The journey continued to San Diego, which Brandon calls the highlight of the trip. At SeaWorld and on the beaches, he and his family relaxed, soaked in the moment, and deepened their bond with his grandfather. It was here, amidst the calm of the ocean, that Brandon felt his life coming back together. “I realized this really happened,” he said. “I wasn’t losing hope anymore.”
Finding Purpose Through Inspiration
Today, Brandon is more than a survivor—he’s an inspirational speaker who uses his story to uplift others. At the WLF, he spoke passionately about the power of hope, no matter the battle—whether it’s loss, mental health struggles, or disease. “You matter,” he told the crowd. “No matter what you’re going through, you can make it.”
The Water Lantern Festival is a vibrant celebration of hope, community, and resilience. It’s a place where people come together to honor loved ones, reflect on personal journeys, and embrace the strength found in shared experiences. For Brandon, the Water Lantern Festival was the perfect platform to share his message, lighting a lantern to symbolize hope and connection, reminding everyone that they’re not alone in their struggles.
A Message of Hope
Brandon’s journey from a devastating diagnosis to standing before a crowd as a beacon of hope is nothing short of extraordinary. His Make-A-Wish experience didn’t just grant him a trip—it gave him a renewed sense of purpose, a connection with his grandfather, and the courage to inspire others. Through his words and his story, Brandon reminds us all that hope can light the way, even in the darkest of times.
