Olivia Hansen
Sponsor: Sater Family

Minnesota
Brandon (Age 12)
Cerebral Palsy & Hydrocephalus

Brandon was born more than four months prematurely, weighing just 1 pound, 13 ounces. But it wasn’t until he was nearly 2 years old that he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus.

Over the years Brandon has had nearly 30 surgeries. He has a surgically implanted shunt that drains excess fluid from his brain. He receives physical and occupational therapy several times a week.

“Brandon has one of the best attitudes I have ever seen in a child,” says Sue Murr, one of his therapists. “We all know that he goes through a lot, but he just always looks on the bright side of life.”

Brandon loves sports and his favorite pastime is playing football with friends in his neighborhood. Brandon cannot catch the ball because he needs both hands for his walker, so his friends hand off the ball to him and he runs it in for touchdowns. An activity that most kids his age take for granted is a demonstration of Brandon’s great attitude and his determination to succeed.

Ask Brandon what his life motto is and he’ll tell you: “Never give up, never back down and never lose faith.”