Tuesday, June 3, 2008

5:09 PM


Brandon's story will be on the news here in Colorado Springs!!! We were interviewed at our house this morning & it should air this coming Monday on channel 13 news. You can also access his story online at their website Monday at http://www.krdo.com/ - We made the decision to go on TV because we need help. We're still short on the money needed to take Brandon to China. I can't imagine doing all of this and not have enough money for the trip. Brandon needs this treatment & as a mother it hurts to know that there is a chance we won't have enough money. We received our passports today. My picture is as bad on my passport as it is on my drivers license. All that's left on the legal part of our trip is to apply for the Visa's. On Sunday the Comfort Inn in Garden City hosted Brandon's hamburger fundraiser. It generated $724.00 so we're inching closer to our goal. THANK YOU to everyone who helped with that fundraiser!! The picture on the right is of Brandon's Grandma Marilyn (seated on the left) and his Aunt Carol (standing) in front of the Comfort Inn. In the picture on the left, Brandon is pulling raffle tickets out of the bowl for the drawing. (he loved his job!!) Congrats to everyone who won!! Prizes included a quilt, 2 portable DVD players, a garden bench, and certificates for a stay at the Comfort Inn. During the fundraiser, we met a little boy who also has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Looking at him, I couldn't help but remember back to when Brandon was that age (2). I have learned quite a bit in the last 5 years & I'd like to think that I've become a stronger person because of that. I gave his family the information for the treatment in case they decide to persue the same journey that we have chosen to take. I wish him & his family luck in whatever choice they make. I realize traveling to the other side of the world in hopes for improved vision is not for everyone. I guess our decision was an easy one. Personally I have a hard time accepting illness, death, birth defects, etc. When Brandon was diagnosed with ONH, I really thought his life as we knew it was over. (remember I was only 21 - very naive). All of my hopes and dreams for my son was over. It took me a few years to learn that Brandon is just like every other sighted child - he just does things a bit differently. Yes I do have hopes that my son will soon be able to see the world he lives in. Everyday I wake up & think that we're one day closer to having the treatment done. I will never regret making the decision to take Brandon to China. Afterall this is his only chance for sight.