Diagnosis: Genetic Disorder (UNC 80)

Date of Diagnosis: 12/18/2008

VVF Scholarship: Vehicle/Driver Assistance

What are you Facing, Embracing, Defying and Conquering?: Brayden has a rare genetic disorder UNC 80 which has affected him and our family since birth. He is non ambulatory, relies on my to do everything for him such as being fed, transferred, diapers, dressed, etc.

How do you FACE it?: Brayden started getting seizures daily a few years ago and we face that daily still. He has also since developed some respiratory/breathing issues causing him to use oxygen 24/7 and a biped at night. He is 11.5 years old and thankfully getting bigger but definitely heavier and more difficult to carry around. I am a full time mom to him and his brothers and have 100% custody of them with very little help especially with the pandemic going strong in our area.

How do you EMBRACE it?: Brayden is a very happy boy and is the sweetest ever. He has the biggest brightest smile and the most contagious laugh ever. He LOVES his brothers more than anything and would play with his family over doing anything. He brings us so much joy every day.

How do you DEFY it?: Although life is hard we choose to find the good each day and do our best to focus on the positives. Life right now is the family spending time together and making sure we give ourselves and Brayden the absolute best quality of life. We have fought hard for him to have the best in school, equipment, doctors and therapies. But most importantly having fun!

How do you CONQUER it?: We wake up each day making a list of things we are grateful for- we are healthy, we are happy, we have each other, we have a home and food, etc and lately Victoria’s Victory Foundation has been at the top of that list!

What does this scholarship from VVF mean to you?: Victoria’s Victory Foundation has brought joy and hope to our family during one of the most trying times we have had. The day I heard we received this grant pretty much took me out of a depression after so many bad things were happening. This has given me the opportunity to not be stressed about money, pursue getting our van converted and finally be able to just wheel Brayden into a van. It will literally change our lives forever!