Brandon Wells offers a perfect example of how one of our fundraising events and our mission can come together, and provide affirmation to our existence.

Brandon Wells, aged 15, participated in the Shave for the Brave 2009. Brandon and 30 fellow Frank Roberts Jr. High School students shaved at their school on February 27, 2009 and raised over $7,000!

What makes Brandon's story unique is the personal connection he and his family share to our mission and vision. Brandon, his mother, Elaine, and sister, Brenda, understand the isolation that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, and experienced it first-hand. Brandon's father, Tim Wells, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997.

Elaine says that outside of the support provided by family, they had no support groups, no programs - nothing. She feels it would have made such a difference to have YACC during those difficult times. Elaine understands the importance of the connection with others who share similar experiences; both for survivors and supporters. Tim's cancer spread to his liver and he lost his battle in 1998 at the age of 33. Brandon was just four years old, and Brenda was 20 months old. Brandon often wishes that his father were still alive.

Brandon decided to shave with his classmates in memory of his father and grandfather, Walter Wells, who also died of cancer. He had no reservations about shaving his long curly hair for the cause. Elaine reports that Brandon is very much like his father, and this generous act is not a surprise. We are sure that Brandon's father and grandfather would be so very proud.