How do I even begin to tell you the story of my son, Brandon? I sit, fingers poised above the keyboard, eyes closed, and ponder on the words I feel that need to pour out across the page. I pray for guidance and strength; that I be granted the tenacity to see this through to the end. Perhaps starting this foundation is my way of telling Brandon's story and following what is in my heart. Whatever the outcome, I ask God each and every time I sit down to write that my words expressed will carry some meaning to someone, somewhere, so that others will not suffer as Brandon did. My son is no longer with us; he was 14 years old when he took his own life after years of bullying and teasing.

I promised my son that I would send a message to the world on his behalf, so that his life need not be in vain. I made that promise as I held his cold hand and stroked his hair for the last time. I keep hearing him say "It's OK now, Mom, tell it like you can!!" His story must be told, he has given me permission to tell it the way he knows only I can.

Brandon had a condition known as Neurofibromatosis and he never wanted anyone to know what he was going through, his years of inner torment hidden from the outside world. I often talked to him about this and thought perhaps his peers would bully him less if only they knew what he was going through. He thought it would just give them more ammunition. I respected his wishes and we kept Brandon's sufferings within our family.

I sometimes wonder if I should just put it all behind me and know that he is in a better place where pain and loneliness can't get to him anymore. Then I contemplate the good that could come about from an endeavour like this foundation. If it will save one child the hurt, one parent the anguish, then I will tell Brandon's story a thousand times. I pray each time I reach someone regarding our foundation that the words carry with them the right message. I feel the best way to ensure this foundation will be successful is to follow my heart, with God's guidance, and to allow Brandon's story to come out through the gifts God has put in my path.

This foundation is a memorial to Brandon's life and was formed to send a message to anyone who will listen, parents and peers alike, in the hopes that it saves even one child from living with the bullying and loneliness my son endured daily. We have a story that needs to be heard. I can only hope that it makes a difference in even one person's life.

So I keep going, urged on by God, family and friends. I just keep telling myself it will be how it is supposed to be and faith and tenacity will guide me through. If this foundation is meant to happen, my efforts will continue to bring people together. God will make it happen or He will not, all I can do is "Get up and show up and let God do the rest!"

	MAYBE WE CAN'T CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT WE CAN CHANGE PEOPLE

• Introduction
• Dedication
• Medical Problems
• His Medical Team
• His Education
• His Teen Years
• His Death
• His Challenge To You
• Photo Gallery